TRUMPF VCSEL enables proximity sensor in iPhone

The proximity sensor for iPhone turns off the screen when it detects an object that is close by — such as when a user holds iPhone up to their ear — saving power and preventing inadvertent touches.

“We have already shipped over 1 billion of our VCSELs to Apple. It’s great to see that our components are widely used in everyday life and enable great experiences,” says Berthold Schmidt, CEO at TRUMPF Photonic Components.

TRUMPF’s high-tech components have long been used for a number of Apple products. “This success points out the huge potential of our VCSEL technology. Therefore, we plan to further expand our production site in Ulm with about 750 square meters within the next year, to guarantee high-volume, high-end manufacturing of laser components for our customers,” Schmidt says. TRUMPF has already invested more than €40 million into the high-end facility since they took over the business in 2019. With the state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment, TRUMPF implemented a new technology platform, to guarantee a highly reliable process and high-performance laser components. Further investments to be made within the next five years will amount to tens of millions of euros, depending on project developments.