Is Apple Running Out Of Ideas? iPhone 8 To Borrow Yet Another Feature From Samsung

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Reports and leaks coming out of Apple’s supply chain in Asia suggest that the next year’s iPhone 8 will get a radical new design to mark the 10th anniversary of the iPhone. The 2017 iPhone is widely expected to feature a curved OLED display similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Note 7 and Galaxy S7 Edge. As if that wasn’t enough, a new report claims that the iPhone 8 will borrow one more feature from Samsung’s flagship Galaxy Note 7.

Xintec to supply iris recognition chips for iPhone 8?

According to the Chinese-language publication MoneyDJ.com (via Digitimes), the iPhone 8 will feature iris scanner that will allow users to authenticate simply by looking at the phone. You can use it to unlock the device, make payments, and do much more. The iris in our eyes has a complex pattern that is unique to an individual. It is not yet clear whether the iris scanner will complement or replace the TouchID sensor. Supply chain leaks indicate that Apple will either remove the home button or embed it in the OLED display of the 2017 iPhone.

MoneyDJ adds that Taiwan-based Xintec will start mass production of its iris recognition chips in 2017 in an attempt to secure orders from Apple and other vendors. Xintec is an affiliate of TSMC, which is responsible for the processor used in the current flagship iPhones. “Market watchers” told MoneyDJ.com, “New orders for iris-recognition sensors include those for the chips that will be embedded in the 2017 series of iPhone.”

How useful will be the iris scanner?

It is a little difficult to say how useful the iris scanner will be to an average user. Apple adds new features only when they are ready for mass adoption. The current versions of the iris scanner are too slow to be useful. Only time will tell how fast Xintec’s iris recognition chips will be at recognizing your eyeballs.

Based on leaks and rumors, the iPhone 8 would feature an all-glass design, a 5.8-inch curved OLED display, and wireless charging capabilities. Apple is said to launch three different versions of the 2017 iPhone. Meanwhile, Apple fans are looking forward to the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus that will be unveiled next week.

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