iPhone’s TrueDepth Sensor Triggers Red Flash on Models Since 2017, Powering Face ID
Updated
Updated · Boy Genius Report · Jul 19
iPhone’s TrueDepth Sensor Triggers Red Flash on Models Since 2017, Powering Face ID
3 articles · Updated · Boy Genius Report · Jul 19
Summary
A flashing red light at the top of an iPhone screen signals the TrueDepth camera’s infrared sensor is active, most noticeably in dark rooms.
Face ID uses that infrared system to map and verify a user’s face, while Attention Aware features also tap it to detect whether someone is looking at the screen.
Most iPhones released after the 2017 iPhone X include the feature, which also supports purchase approvals, app authentication and password access; newer iPads use it too.
Users cannot fully disable the red flash because it is tied to Face ID, attention awareness and the proximity sensor, but they can reduce it by turning off Attention Aware Features or Require Attention for Face ID.
The red flash is separate from the orange microphone-use indicator shown near the top-right of the screen or around the Dynamic Island when an app is recording audio.