Following criticism of facial recognition (FaceID) within the iPhone X, recent reports reveal Apple has invested $380 million in the firm which manufactures the chip processing both FaceID and Portrait Mode.
Finisar Corp will reportedly use the investment to re-open its 700,000 square foot plant in Texas, which is said to create 500 jobs.
The company makes laser chips (‘vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers i.e. VCSELs), where it will ramp up production of the components at the forthcoming Texas plant.
Finisar’s lasers will also reportedly be used for 3D sensors within Apple’s wireless headphones, AirPods.
The company is expected to ship products out of the Texas plant from the second half of next year.
Apple’s investment in VCSELs displays how important the components will be to vendors in the future. Shares in rival VCELs manufacturer, Lumentum, reportedly fell 12% after the news.
This is the second investment from Apple’s $1 billion advanced manufacturing fund, which is claims will create jobs and promote innovation.
The first investment went to Gorilla Glass manufacturer, Corning, for $200 million in May.
