Rumours have it that there will be big changes to the iPhone line-up, including the killing of the much-loved Touch ID fingerprint.
- Anticipated all-new design – OLED display to replace LCD panel, change to larger screen
- Speculation of 3D laser scanner for facial recognition
- Virtual button panel replacing Home button
- Expected to retail nothing less than USD1K
The iPhone is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, and rumours have it that there will be big changes to its line-up. Anticipated for the iPhone 8 are an all-new design, switching out the traditional LCD panel for OLED display, and a change in the size of the screen to between 5.1 and 5.2 inches or even a mammoth 5.8 inches. Such rumours have been circulating since late last year.
The latest speculation is the replacement of the much-loved fingerprint scanner with an advanced 3D laser scanner for its biometrics security. If true, this new technology will primarily be used for facial recognition to ensure top-of-the-line security. It would also eliminate the frustration of iPhone users who have experienced the struggle of unlocking their device under wet circumstances.
The death of the Touch ID seems highly likely because Apple is gearing for the launch of a new iPhone that does not have the iconic Home button, which is where the Touch ID sensor is integrated. A virtual button panel will replace the Home button.
Other touted features include:
- Curved glass back
- Curved screen
- A folding element
- Dual-lens camera
- 10nm A11 processor
- Wireless charging
- Dramatic increase in battery capacity
- Augmented reality to generate real-time views of surroundings
- A new ‘pure white’ model
The iPhone 8 is set to look stunning, design-wise. And it is expected to come with a high price tag – nothing less than US$1,000.
Remember that for now, the features and other news on the iPhone 8 remain as speculation mostly from alleged leaks. So don’t hit the panic button just yet or get overly excited, depending on whether you will lament the demise of the fingerprint scanner or welcome the new face scanner. Do expect more rumours to fly closer to the release of the iPhone 8, which is said will be launched in September. Time will separate fact from wishful thinking.
For about the most reliable predictions of the iPhone 8, the go-to source is Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst for KGI Securities, a financial services group in the Asia-Pacific region. Kuo gathers intelligence from his contacts in Apple’s Asian supply chain, translating the information he gleans into research notes for KGI Securities clients.
His research notes often provide a solid look at Apple’s future plans and while he has not always been spot on, his predictions on future Apple products are accurate enough to make him one of the most reliable sources for Apple rumours.
