iPhone 8: Iris Scan, Touch ID, or Face Recognition?
The iPhone 8, the latest generation of Apple’s iconic smartphone, is making waves in the tech world. Ahead of its official release, there is speculation about the phone featuring either iris or facial recognition technology.
The source of this news is Taiwan’s “DigiTimes” website, which cites industry insiders claiming that the upcoming “iPhone 8” will introduce OLED screens, wireless charging capabilities, and iris scanning technology. This technology will allow users to unlock their iPhones or make Apple payments simply by using their eyes.
Will the iPhone 8 Feature Iris Scanning?
Iris scanning is not entirely new in the world of mobile technology. Samsung’s Note7 and earlier Microsoft Lumia phones have employed similar iris recognition technology. However, it’s important to note that iris recognition differs significantly from the Touch ID experience. It is relatively slow, typically taking 1-2 seconds for recognition, compared to fingerprint recognition, which takes as little as 0.7 seconds. Iris recognition may pose challenges for users wearing glasses or in low-light conditions, making it a less compelling choice.
Considering Apple’s product strategy, which prioritizes user experience over adopting cutting-edge technologies merely for novelty, we believe that iris scanning might not be incorporated into the new iPhone.
There is another rumor that suggests Taiwanese supplier Xintec will provide the foundation for Apple’s iris recognition chip. However, upon visiting the company’s website, it’s evident that their expertise is in CMOS image sensor wafer-level packaging production. This leads us to speculate that Apple’s new product may focus on facial recognition rather than iris scanning.
While both facial and iris recognition technologies have their appeal, neither matches the speed and convenience of Touch ID fingerprinting. Although Touch ID may eventually be succeeded by more advanced biometrics, it remains the preferred choice for an overall seamless user experience.