Trumpf VCSEL enables iPhone proximity sensor
Success spurs company to expand German manufacturing site
Trumpf Photonic Components has been featured as a key supplier by Apple for its work supporting the proximity sensor in iPhones.
The proximity sensor in iPhones 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.
“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. Further investments to be made within the next five years will amount to tens of millions of euros, according to the company, depending on project developments.
