3rd iPhone Sensor is Another Proximity Sensor - MacRumors
Skip to Content

3rd iPhone Sensor is Another Proximity Sensor

iLounge reveals that Apple has included a second proximity sensor to the iPhone 3G to provide more accurate face-detection. This brings the total number of sensors to three (two proximity sensors, one ambient light sensor).

Apple previously included one proximity sensor near the earpiece of the original iPhone to prevent accidental key presses when the phone was held against your face. By adding a second proximity sensor, Apple is said to have improved this face-detection functionality. As a result of this addition, case manufacturers have increased the size of the opening surrounding the earpiece of the iPhone.

Details of the 3rd sensor had sparked speculation that Apple could have included a front-facing camera to enable video conferencing. No front-faced camera design, however, was announced at WWDC.

Related Forum: iPhone

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.4 Adds Two New Features to CarPlay

Tuesday March 24, 2026 1:55 pm PDT by
iOS 26.4 was released today, and it includes a couple of new features for CarPlay: an Ambient Music widget and support for voice-based chatbot apps. To update your iPhone 11 or newer to iOS 26.4, open the Settings app and tap on General → Software Update. CarPlay will automatically offer the new features so long as the iPhone connected to your vehicle is running iOS 26.4 or later....
Apple Business hero

Apple Unveils 'Apple Business' All-in-One Platform

Tuesday March 24, 2026 8:53 am PDT by
Apple today announced Apple Business, a new all-in-one platform that unifies device management, productivity tools, and customer outreach features. The service is designed to be a consolidated replacement for several of Apple's existing business-focused offerings, including Apple Business Essentials, Apple Business Manager, and Apple Business Connect. It provides organizations with a single...
AirPods Pro Firmware Feature

Apple Releases New Firmware for AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4

Tuesday March 24, 2026 12:31 pm PDT by
Apple today released new firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and the AirPods 4. The firmware has a version number of 8B39, up from 8B34 on the AirPods Pro 3, 8B28 on the AirPods Pro 2, and 8B21 on the AirPods 4. There is no word on what's included in the firmware, but Apple has a support document with limited notes. Most updates are limited to bug fixes and performance...