iPhone 8 rumored to include either iris scanner or face recognition

Apple’s upcoming iPhone 8 model, which is expected to be released in September, will reportedly include either an iris scanner or facial recognition software, according to a Mac Rumors report that pointed to sources and patents.

Rumors that the new iPhone would feature iris scanning technology have been rampant since last August when Mac Rumors released a report citing a Chinese-language MoneyDJ article.

“An iris scanner could complement or replace Touch ID as a way to verify a user’s identity, enabling iPhone users to unlock their smartphone, make payments, and more by authenticating with their eyes,” Mac Rumors wrote in the report.

Last month, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo revealed speculations that the iPhone 8 will incorporate facial recognition as part of its new biometric identification technology.

More recently, Taiwanese website DigiTimes reported that Apple’s new iPhone will “come with wireless charging and iris scanning technology,” citing “industry sources”.

Xintec, a Taiwan-based affiliate of Apple manufacturer TSMC, was said to be the exclusive supplier of the iris scanning technology chips.

“Xintec is expected to enter mass production for iris-recognition chips in 2017, which will boost the backend house’s revenues for the year, the report cited market watchers as saying,” according to the Mac Rumors report. “New orders for iris-recognition sensors include those for the chips that will be embedded in the 2017 series of iPhone.”

In addition, Brian Conroy reported in September that Apple had filed a trademark application for an “Iris Engine”.

Earlier this month, analysts speculated that STMicroelectronics will be providing new image sensing components for Apple’s iPhone 8.

Article Topics

access control  |  Apple  |  biometrics  |  facial recognition  |  iPhone  |  iris recognition