Apple to Invest in LG Innotek to Secure Stable Supply of 3D Sensing Modules for Face ID?

Apple is planning to invest in LG Innotek to secure a stable of 3D sensing modules for its Face ID feature, according to the Korea Herald. The company is expected to launch both new iPhones and new iPads this year that use the facial recognition feature. The 3D sensing module allows a device to capture 3D data and recognize a user even in the dark.

In a filing yesterday, LG Innotek says it will invest 873.7 billion won ($820.90 million USD) to build additional facilities for its mobile camera module and next generation module business. It's speculated that funding for the investment came after a rare meeting between Apple CEO Tim Cook and LG Innotek CEO Park Jong-seok in November of last year.

Apple has decided to offer financial support for the Korean supplier in the form of an upfront payment and the exact amount of its investment is unknown. Some market watchers said the move would be in line with a temporary supply shortage of the 3-D sensing modules late last year, which had affected the sales of iPhone X.


LG Innotek refused to comment on the report. You can follow iClarified on Twitter, Facebook, or RSS for updates.

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