Technology, Process and Cost
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Face ID Module
By Yole SystemPlus —
Apple’s 2nd generation Face ID solution in the iPhone 14 Pro with comparison to the previous system
SPR23749
Overview / Introduction
- Executive Summary
- Reverse Costing Methodology
Company Profile & Supply Chain
- Physical Analysis
- Summary of the Physical Analysis
- Face ID Module Assembly
- Module Overview
- Module Teardown
- Module Cross-Section
- 3D CT Scan
- Component Connections
- Lens Modules & Optical Filter
- Diffractive Optical Element
- DOE Overview & Dimensions
- DOE ITO Resistor Structure
- DOE Diffractive Patterns & Optical Layers
- Process Characteristics
- NIR Global Shutter CIS Die
- Die Overview & Dimensions
- Die Deprocessing, Technology & Main Blocs
- Die Cross-Section
- Die Process Characteristic
- Dot Projector VCSEL
- Die View & Dimensions
- Die Deprocessing & Cross-Section
- Die Process Characteristic
- Flood Illuminator VCSEL
- Die View & Dimensions
- Die Deprocessing & Cross-Section
- Die Process Characteristic
- VCSEL Driver Die
- View & Dimensions
- Delayering & main Blocs
- Dies Process
Manufacturing Process Flow
- Global overview
- NIR CIS Die Front-End Process & Fabrication Unit
- NIR VCSEL Process Flow & Fabrication Unit
- DOE Wafer Process Flow & Fabrication Unit
- VCSEL driver die Front-End Process & Fabrication Unit
Cost Analysis
- Summary of the cost analysis
- Yields Explanation & Hypotheses
- Diffractive Optical Element
- NIR Global Shutter CMOS Image Sensor
- CIS Circuit Front-End Cost
- Optical Layers Front-End Cost
- NIR CIS Die Cost
- Dot Projector VCSEL
- Front-End Cost
- Front-End Step Costs
- Dot Projector VCSEL Die Cost
- Flood Illuminator VCSEL
- Front-End Cost
- Front-End Step Costs
- Flood Illuminator VCSEL Die Cost
- VCSEL Driver
- Front-End Cost
- Die Cost
- Face ID Module
- Lens Module Costs
- BoM & Assembly Costs
- Complete Module Cost
- Complete Module Selling Price
Technical & Cost Comparison
- iPhone Front Camera Evolution
- Technical & Cost Comparison between iPhones 13 and 14
Feedback
Related Products
About Yole Group
The Face ID system introduced in the iPhone X was the first structured light-based system in a smartphone and is considered by some to be Apple’s biggest innovation in recent years. The iPhone X was also an early pioneer of the notch, which allows top-to-bottom displays by using a cut-out for the front-facing camera. While the iPhone 11 and 12 largely retained the front camera configuration from the iPhone X, the iPhone 13 launched with a more compact system that allowed for a ~33% smaller notch. The iPhone 14 Pro then reduced further the lost area of the display by eliminating the space between the Face ID and selfie camera modules and moving the proximity sensor under the display.
This full reverse costing study provides insights into the technology data, manufacturing cost, and selling price of the Face ID module in the iPhone 14 Pro. We have previously published a report on the Face ID module in the iPhone 13, and the module in the 14 Pro has not materially changed. Nevertheless, we have revised and updated some of our assumptions for 2022, including confirming the second sourcing of the VCSEL by Coherent.
The Face ID system can be divided into eight parts: the module assembly, NIR global shutter CMOS image sensor, diffractive optical element, dot projector VCSEL, flood illuminator VCSEL, VCSEL driver, and two lens modules. For each part, we present detailed physical analysis such as optical and electron microscopy, de-processing, cross-sectional analysis, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to determine the technologies and manufacturing processes involved. We then calculate the cost of each manufacturing step and present itemized fabrication and bill-of-materials costs. Finally, this data is used to calculate the total cost and estimate the selling price of the iPhone 14 Pro Face ID module.
The components in the module have not changed since the iPhone 13. On the NIR detection side, Apple has retained the global shutter CIS from STMicroelectronics. The two VCSELs are retained, and in addition to Lumentum as the primary sourcing, we have now confirmed the second sourcing by Coherent. The driver by Texas Instruments and all of the optics are also retained from the iPhone 13. Our lens module and VCSEL costing models have changed since we costed the module in the iPhone 13, and we estimate that LG Innotek has improved their yield, resulting in an overall reduced cost for the module compared to 2021.
- Apple
- TSMC
- Texas Instruments
- STMicroelectronics
- Lumentum
- LG Innotek
- GSEO
- Tong Hsing Electronics
- IQE
- Coherent
Key Features
- Analysis of Face ID Module structure
- Detailed optical, X-ray and SEM images
- Precise measurements
- Materials analysis
- Manufacturing process flow
- Supply chain evaluation
- Manufacturing cost analysis
- Estimated selling price
- Technology & cost comparison with previous system in the iPhone 13