iPhone 8 Security Features, News: Next Smartphone to Sport 3D Facial Recognition?
Recent speculations surrounding the upcoming Apple iPhone 8 mention a possible three-dimensional facial recognition program as the smartphone's main security feature.
The speculated new security feature is supported by several reports from technology and business analysts. Other than that, a recently reported company acquisition is also adding spark to the rumors.
JP Morgan analyst Rod Hall reportedly mentioned (via Mac Rumors) that Apple will equip the iPhone 8 with a front-facing 3D laser scanner to support the speculated feature.
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Considering that Apple is aiming for a redesigned display for iPhone 8 – ditching the physical home button – Hall believes that it is tantamount to giving up the Touch ID security feature and a 3D facial recognition program is the likely way to go for Apple.
Hall also believes that these new security programs will not be exclusive to iPhone 8, which means the mid and lower-end variants - the iPhone 7s and iPhone 7s Plus - is likely to get the same protection feature.
This move, if it tallies to the actual product release, is believed to also make Apple Pay more reliable and will convince more banks and merchants to adapt its program.
Apart from Hall, notable KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has also reportedly hinted at a possible new security feature in a new investor note. Reports have it that Kuo believes the iPhone 8 will introduce a new "function area" located where the physical Home button used to be.
According to 9To5Mac, while Kuo did not specifically discuss the facial recognition feature, the analyst mentioned that Apple will explore "new biometric technologies" in replacement of the Home button-embedded Touch ID.
Another indicator that the rumored security feature is likely going to happen is Apple's reported acquisition of RealFace.
Established in 2014, RealFace reportedly started with a $1 million fund and operates with 10 people. The Israeli company gained attention for developing facial recognition software aiming to provide more technological protection options other than passwords and fingerprint scanners.
Reports by Israel-based news outlets have it that Apple bought the company for "several million dollars." However, as of writing, Apple and RealFace have not yet officially confirmed the acquisition reports.
The iPhone 8, iPhone 7s and iPhone 7s Plus are all expected to arrive sometime this year.
