Until now, most of the iPhone 8 display rumors have been about an edge-to-edge OLED screen, which would be similar to Samsung’s latest Galaxy S8. Now analysts at Barclays predict the 10th anniversary iPhone will have a True Tone display similar to the 9.7-inch iPad Pro. In fact, all the iPhones coming this year, including the iPhone 7S and 7S Plus, are going to feature the True Tone technology.
AMS to supply sensors for the iPhone 8 True Tone display
In a research note obtained by ValueWalk, Barclays analysts Mark Moskowitz, Blayne Curtis and colleagues said each of the new iPhones would sport a “full spectral sensing” ambient light sensor. The sensor would give the phones a ‘True Color’ display. According to Barclays, Apple will be sourcing the sensors from Austrian semiconductor company AMS.
Last year, there were speculations that the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus displays would get the True Tone technology, but it didn’t materialize. The True Tone display was first introduced with the 9.7-inch iPad Pro in 2016. It allows the display to automatically adopt the color and intensity to match the surrounding environment. The feature was developed after scientists found that exposure to blue light a few hours before sleep time could delay or disrupt your sleep.
Adding True Tone display could help Apple differentiate its flagship products from rivals. The iPhone 8 is said to sport an OLED display, which Samsung’s devices have been offering for years. Apple needed to offer something more advanced to stand out from the competition. The next-gen 12.9-inch iPad Pro is also expected to feature the True Tone technology.
Apple to use custom 3D sensors for facial recognition, AR
Barclays analysts added that Apple would use 3D sensing modules to support features like facial recognition and augmented reality. Many other analysts including Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities have also predicted the inclusion of 3D sensors in the iPhone 8. The 10th anniversary iPhone will have dedicated hardware and software components to support various AR features and games.
Mark Moskowitz and his colleagues said the iPhone 8 would feature two custom 3D sensors with “structured light cameras” on front and back of the phone. The research firm had previously noted that the upcoming iPhone would feature a front-facing structured light camera and a rear depth mapping Time of Flight sensor. But now the analysts believe there will be a custom 3D sensing module on the front for facial recognition and another on the rear for augmented reality.
Touch ID likely to sit on the back of iPhone 8
Last week, unnamed sources familiar with the matter told iDrop News that Apple was planning to relocate the fingerprint sensor to the rear of the iPhone 8. Samsung has done the same thing with its Galaxy S8. Since the iPhone 8 would sport a bezel-less OLED display, Apple has eliminated the physical home button. Previously, there were reports that the fingerprint scanner would be embedded in the iPhone 8 display. But Apple’s in-house technology might not be ready in time for the iPhone 8.
A rear-mounted fingerprint scanner shouldn’t be a huge issue because the device will also have other methods for unlocking and authentication such as facial recognition and iris scanner. Sources also told iDrop News that, contrary to previous rumors of a glass back panel, the iPhone 8 would stick to the metal back. The glass-back prototypes performed poorly in drop tests.
iDrop News reported the iPhone 8 would have vertical rear cameras. The Touch ID scanner would be placed right below the Apple logo on the back. Unlike the iPhone 7 Plus, the two cameras on the iPhone 8 would be stacked vertically. The vertical camera setup could enhance depth perception for virtual or augmented reality features.
iPhone 8 to feature 3GB RAM, wireless charging
JPMorgan analyst Rod Hall said last week the iPhone 8 display would not be as curved as the Galaxy S8 around the edges. The curves will be only nominal, and they will not offer any significant new features. The analyst predicted all the iPhones coming this September would feature 3GB RAM and NAND flash storage. The 10th anniversary iPhone is also expected to feature wireless charging and improved waterproofing capabilities.
Rod Hall predicts Apple would sell a record 260 million iPhones in FY2018. The Cupertino company had sold 211 million iPhones last year. The analyst says Apple might not be able to meet the massive demand for the iPhone 8. So, the company is likely to increase the phone’s price tag to curb some of the demand. The device is rumored to cost more than $1,000.
Samsung Display ramps up OLED production
Meanwhile, Korean publication The Investor reports Samsung Display is investing $9 billion to ramp up OLED display production. Samsung Display is said to be the sole supplier of OLED panels for Apple’s upcoming iPhone 8. The Korean company commands more than 95% market share in OLED space. Apple has signed two different contracts with Samsung Display for a total of 160 million OLED screens.
