This year will mark the tenth year of the iPhone, which is exactly why the tech world and the public in general, is on their toes for any news on the iPhone 8. With the controversial release of the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus, nothing but greatness is expected of the anniversary device. And if the recent leaks are to be believed, Apple is about to meet expectations.
As Mashable notes, it has long been rumored that the device will sport a bezel-less edge-to-edge design. Moreover, it has been claimed that the device will go without its home button. But while these speculations have been little more than plan guesses, more leaked features only support these claims.
According to Apple Insider, a new two-step procedure will be required to unlock the iPhone 8 and this is only necessary with the design described above. The information was provided by KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Apparently, the Cupertino-based tech giant will be replacing Touch ID with optical fingerprint readers.
The optical fingerprint readers will apparently be able to read the user's fingerprint marks through an OLED display panel. The technology will allow the use of a completely flat screen that covers the entire face of the smartphone. The publication goes on to state that this is supported by Apple's recent patent filings, which include fingerprint sensors that work through displays or flexible OLED screens.
In addition to the optical fingerprint technology, however, Kuo also states that Apple might incorporate a facial tracking sensor. Much like Samsung's current optical unlocking feature, it might be possible for the iPhone 8 to unlock via a full facial scan of the user.
But because optical fingerprint sensor technology and facial recognition are still relatively infant to other smartphone tech, it is possible that Apple is simply exploring these ideas. Nevertheless, the year is sure to bring a clearer picture of the iPhone 8, especially as the release date nears. At this point, it is estimated that the anniversary handheld will be unveiled in September.
