

Quick Summary
Apple's supply chain has changed slightly, indicating Face ID tweaks.
Whether this is a meaningful change or something under the hood isn't clear, though.
Apple might just have something big up its sleeve – supply chain sources have indicated that something is changing in the Face ID tech for the iPhone 16.
The Telegraph has reported that UK semiconductor company Coherent is in dire financial straits after losing a supply deal with Apple, and this has set tongues a-wagging about the implications.
The change was apparently related to Apple tweaking the design of its Face ID components, since some of these were supplied by Coherent. And that means the biometric security system might be getting at least a minor overhaul.
Now, Digitimes has added more smoke to the fire, reporting that, "The Face ID system for Apple’s iPhones, comprised of various sensors and cameras, was previously supplied by the Newton Aycliffe plant.
"However, design changes in the upcoming iPhone 16 series, slated for release in late 2024, led to Apple ceasing its orders."
This basically just confirms what we already knew, but underlines the fact that these "design changes" remain shrouded in mystery. After all, given the recent spread of the Dynamic Island to every new iPhone, could this mean that the FaceID sensors contained in that area are getting smaller?
Reducing the size of that glorified cut-out is surely a major aim for Apple, after all, in just the same way that a full under-display system is reportedly part of its eventual plans. But, it's also not something that many of the leaks and rumours around the iPhone 16 have so far mentioned.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
It's also possible, of course, that Apple is instead just changing its supply chain to one where it thinks it can get better value moving forward, and that the apparent design changes will turn out to be extremely technical, with no real noticeable change on the user's end.
This is the joy of the tech world – you could be getting a sneak peek at a huge change to the iPhone world, or at something that basically will make no difference at all.
Apple isn't likely to make any official comment either way, so we'll have to wait for the iPhone reveal event in a few months' time to get some clarity.
Max is T3's Staff Writer for the Tech section – with years of experience reporting on tech and entertainment. He's also a gaming expert, both with the games themselves and in testing accessories and consoles, having previously flexed that expertise at Pocket-lint as a features editor.
-
I spent 6 weeks with the FoodMarble Aire 2: here’s what I learned about my gut health
I’ve been testing the clever breath-testing gadget with the companion app over several weeks to find out if it delivers on its promises
By Lee Bell Published
-
I just watched my favourite episode of TV this year – and it wasn't what I expected
The Studio's pilot blew me away
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Apple TV gets a free update that makes it more simple to use
Apple has released tvOS 18.4 with a few design tweaks for its TV boxes
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Your iPhone gets some new tricks - here’s what it can do now
The new emojis and priority notifications are probably our favourite
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Older iPhones at risk of being left behind when iOS 19 arrives – is your device one of them?
Apple will reportedly drop three iPhone models when it comes to the iOS 19 update
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
Your next MacBook Pro could be a game-changer for three good reasons
Apple will reportedly upgrade next year's MacBook Pro in three major ways
By Rik Henderson Published
-
M5 iPad Pro on schedule for release this year, claims expert
Apple's best tablet is reportedly getting even more power in late 2025
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
New evidence suggests Apple's taking its foldable iPhone seriously
And it might bring something different to the party too
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
EU paves the way for iPhones and Android devices to ditch USB-C entirely
Clarification enables Apple, Samsung and others to switch to wireless charging only
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Apple's first foldable could come with an unexpected feature, claims expert
If it ends up being true, we'd be absolutely fine with it.
By Britta O'Boyle Published