Just a few days ago, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo revealed that all three iPhones – the iPhone 7S, 7S Plus, and iPhone 8 – would feature wireless charging. Since the built-in wireless charging module produces a lot of heat, Apple will add a new graphite layer to protect the 3D Touch Sensor, added Kuo. A new report coming out of Asia claims that the iPhone 8 would also feature iris scanning technology.
Xintec may supply iris recognition chips
Supply chain sources told DigiTimes that the 5.8-inch iPhone 8 or iPhone X would include an iris scanner to allow users to unlock their devices and authenticate payments with their eyes. Each person’s iris has a complex pattern unique to the individual. It’s worth pointing out that the same publication had previously claimed that the iPhones won’t get iris scanning technology until 2018.
Various reports indicate that TSMC affiliate Xintec would start mass production of the iris recognition chips this year intended for the iPhone. However, DigiTimes’ report contradicts with KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who told investors last month that the iPhone 8 would have “facial recognition” technology rather than iris scanner.
Iris scanner or facial recognition?
Since Apple is going to ditch the physical home button, the Touch ID fingerprint scanner could be replaced by a facial recognition system, believes Kuo. But if Apple couldn’t overcome the technical challenges in time for the iPhone 8, it would go with a “combination of fingerprint and facial recognition.” Ming-Chi Kuo’s claim corroborates with a report from Cowen & Company analyst Tim Arcuri, who said last month that the iPhone 8 would include a laser sensor and an infrared sensor near the selfie camera for facial or gesture recognition.
The iPhone 8 is also said to focus on augmented reality (AR). Apple CEO Tim Cook recently said in an interview with The Independent that augmented reality could be as big an opportunity as the smartphone was about a decade ago. It’s not the first time Cook has favored AR over VR. He believes that augmented reality will become an essential part of our lives. Apple is reportedly working with Carl Zeiss on AR glasses.
iPhone 8 to have 3D sensor for AR
Rosenblatt Securities analyst Jun Zhang said in a research report last week that the iPhone 8 would include a 3D sensing module for augmented reality applications. In fact, all three iPhone 8 prototypes Apple is currently testing include the 3D sensor. Zhang said Apple’s 3D sensor would provide an enhanced user experience. The analyst added that 3D sensing would become “the next innovative feature in smartphones.”
Among other things, the iPhone 8 is rumored to feature an edge-to-edge OLED display, wireless charging technology, and IP68 waterproofing. Japanese publication Mac Otakara has learned from its sources that only the iPhone 8 would have built-in wireless charging. For the iPhone 7S and 7S Plus, Apple will offer an optional accessory supplied by Luxshare that would allow you to charge their phones without wires.
