Apple iPhone 8 to include facial recognition, wireless charging

Numerous leaks from Apple’s Asia-based supplier has been giving us an overview of what we should expect in this years’ iPhone 8, assuming that is how it will be called.

As at the moment, most experts have agreed that Apple will most likely release three iPhone 8 models. One such model is reportedly the 5.8-inch version with an edge-to-edge OLED display. Also, Apple is likely to replace the LCD screens with OLED display in the 4.5 inch and 5.5 inch versions. But the possibility of Apple doing that is low due to the tight resources, reports Forbes.

The other belief is that Apple will support wireless charging by building the iPhones with glass bodies around stainless steel frames. When it comes to the OLED-powered iPhone 8, it rumored that the front-facing camera and a virtual Home/Touch ID button will be integrated within the display.

All these expected features in the iPhone 8 have been known for some months now. However, the most recent revelation by Cowen and Company analyst Timothy Arcuri is even much more exciting.

Referring to iPhone 8 as iPhone X, Arcuri believes that the OLED version will support facial and gesture recognition. This model will also be powered by a laser sensor and an infrared sensor located near the front-facing camera. However, we insist that you take this analysis with a grain of salt. At the same time the company is reputable for having successfully predicted iPhone 7 having water proof design and flush Home button.

Via India Express

In case the facial recognition rumor becomes a reality, then Apple will have given us a new way of unlocking the iPhones apart from the pin code and Touch ID. Apple’s artificial intelligence technology in the Photos app already supports facial recognition so it could potentially be used for other purposes, reports Forbes.

If Apple adds facial recognition, it will have made steps to match Google’s Face Unlock and Microsoft’s Windows Hello technology.

But when it comes to copying Samsung’s curved screens technology, it is highly unlikely Apple will do that. Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities reported in November that the OLED iPhone will support an “actual active area” of 5.1 to 5.2 inches. That won’t be achieved with a curved screen.

The other area of debate has been on the Touch ID manufacturer – Synaptec. According to Arcuri, chances are that Apple will switch to the optical-based Touch ID fingerprint readers that the firm manufactures. However, AppleInsider disputes this claim, saying that Synaptec’s technology may not quite be ready for the mass quantity production required for the iPhones.

What is the release date for the new iPhone 8? If Apple follows its past schedule, iOS 11 will be announced in June 2017 followed by announcement of a new iPhone in September.