APPLE fans could be in for a what’s been described as a
“nasty new surprise” when the iPhone 8 is unveiled.
That’s according to a serial leaker who claims to have
access to all the gossip in the supply chain to reveal exactly what’s lies in
store.
Gordon Kelly, a Forbes tech whiz, reckons you’ll be using
the iPhone 8 very differently to earlier versions.
Kelly claims that Tim Cook has forfeited the Touch ID for a
facial recognition unlock system similar to the Samsung Galaxy S8. Previous
rumours have touted the introduction of facial recognition technology in the
new iPhone camera but the transition from touch ID would be significant update
for Apple fans.
Touch ID has been used to secure the phone since 2015 and is
an important feature for Apple payments.
But soon, you might just have to look into the camera to
open up your phone and banking apps.
“As it stands most of my sources believe Touch ID will not
feature on the iPhone 8 (putting huge pressure on ‘Face ID’), despite
suggestions it could be hidden in a curiously enlarged power button,” Kelly
reported.
A report published last week from tech-focused equity
specialists BlueFin Research Partners has made similar claims.
“It is our belief at this time that fingerprint sensing will
NOT be included at launch,” states BlueFin. Though it concedes “we are still
grappling with the touch ID/fingerprint sensing situation as we continue to
uncover mixed messaging.”
It appears to be backed up by analysts BlueFin, who stated
in a report: “It is our belief at this time that fingerprint sensing will NOT
be included at launch”.
There’s been lots of speculation about what the new iPhone
might have. Early leaks suggested there would potentially be a Ferrari version
of the device, with the super-deluxe device designed to impress.
Analysts have claimed that Apple won’t even call the new
gadget the iPhone 8 and it will be instead called the iPhone Pro.
Apple had been expected to release the iPhone 8 in September
2017, in keeping with its annual autumn launch of major new products.
The iPhone 7 was launched on 16 September 2016, so a similar
mid-September date seemed most likely.
However, according to the Economic Daily News technical
problems mean it could be delayed by weeks due to “technical issues” with the
hotly anticipated curved screen and 3D camera.
Other rumours have suggested that delays in the handset’s
new fingerprint sensor mean its release could be delayed until October at the
earliest.
