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The next-generation iPhone 8, set to debut this September, could include facial or gesture recognition technology, according to Cowen and Company analyst Timothy Arcuri (via AppleInsider). The facial recognition capabilities could be powered by a laser sensor and an infrared sensor located near the front-facing camera.

We've previously heard rumors suggesting the iPhone 8 could include advanced biometric features like facial recognition or iris scanning, both from KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chu Kuo and from details sourced from the Asian supply chain.

With facial recognition, Apple could replace the Touch ID fingerprint sensor in the iPhone or augment its functionality with a two-factor verification system for sensitive information. In this scenario, unlocking the iPhone would require users to scan their faces, something that would increase security on iOS devices.

spacegrayiphone.jpg

Facial recognition could also power other features on the phone, like augmented reality camera functions, and while gesture recognition is a new rumor, it could allow users to control their devices with simple gestures for doing things like turning volume up or down.

Capabilities like gesture control and facial recognition are also some of the first steps towards a rich augmented reality experience, something Apple is rumored to be working on.

Arcuri also reiterates several rumors we've previously heard. He believes Apple will launch a total of three iPhones, the standard 4.7 and 5.5-inch models and a new higher-end 5.8-inch iPhone with an OLED display.

The 5.8-inch iPhone, he says, will feature a wraparound display and a Touch ID fingerprint sensor that is located under the glass, a technology Apple has been pursuing for some time. Wireless charging, a much-rumored and highly desired feature, is also expected.

Today's report from Timothy Arcuri covers many rumors that have been circulating for a few months, which is similar to much of the information that comes from the analyst. Cowen and Company has something of a mixed track record, but accurately predicted some iPhone 7 features.

Article Link: iPhone 8 May Include Facial and Gesture Recognition
 

DrumApple

macrumors 6502a
Jan 30, 2009
546
1,417
Would be a bad move IMO.

Do you know how many times a day I have to unlock my phone? Can't imagine all the extra camera activations would be good for battery life. All this crap is just as useless as Siri. They should focus their efforts on improving features most people use.
 

Rogifan

macrumors Penryn
Nov 14, 2011
24,069
30,944
"according to Cowen and Company analyst Timothy Arcuri"

And he's basing this on???
 

JM

macrumors 601
Nov 23, 2014
4,082
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Would be a bad move IMO.

Do you know how many times a day I have to unlock my phone? Can't imagine all the extra camera activations would be good for battery life. All this crap is just as useless as Siri. They should focus their efforts on improving features most people use.
No no. You're forgetting the magical new battery life to compensate.
 

Apple_Robert

Contributor
Sep 21, 2012
34,283
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In the middle of several books.
Why not just start off every rumor story (read: meaningless information at this point) with 'may include the kitchen sink'.

As to facial or gesture ID potential, if such were to come to fruition and it worked as well as Touch ID on a regular basis, I would definitely try it out.
 
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iDento

macrumors 6502a
Sep 8, 2011
855
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iCloud Servers
1. If they'll release a high end 5.8' model, it won't just need better hardware, the product life should be longer, like if they'll release iOS 11,12,13 and 14 updates for the other models, the high end one should support at least 15 & 16 too.

2. Facial recognition can be useful, AR needs Apple, not the other way around.
 

macduke

macrumors G5
Jun 27, 2007
13,100
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Facial recognition in augmented reality? Sounds creepy and inevitable. I like my anonymity in public. I don't want my full social media history to show up when someone sees my face. I imagine this would make life even worse for ex-cons as well. It could pull up all kinds of information. Fortunately for me, I have a somewhat limited social media presence after I shuttered my FaceBook in 2010.
 

paradox00

macrumors 65816
Sep 29, 2009
1,405
819
Facial recognition as a replacement for Touch ID would be a terrible idea. You wouldn't be able to unlock your phone with it resting flat on a table without picking it up or awkwardly hovering over it (or entering a passcode of course).

The field of view on the screen is 180 degrees but the camera only sees a fraction of that.
 

MentalFloss

macrumors 65816
Mar 14, 2012
1,019
841
My assumption is still that it will be a completely seamless, buttonless and connectorless slab of glass. Facial recognition would explain how they get around the need for a home button. When you lift the phone up and it sees your face, the display comes on, and the phone is unlocked automatically when you are recognized.
 

McCool71

macrumors 6502a
Sep 16, 2012
561
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When you lift the phone up and it sees your face, the display comes on, and the phone is unlocked automatically when you are recognized.

Just like the Galaxy S5 back in 2014.

You need other unlock options as well though, lots of people use their phones without picking them up from their desk. Having to 'aim' the front of the phone towards your face to unlock would be a major inconvenience.
 
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BvizioN

macrumors 603
Mar 16, 2012
5,701
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Manchester, UK
Facial recognition as a replacement for Touch ID would be a terrible idea. You wouldn't be able to unlock your phone with it resting flat on a table without picking it up or awkwardly hovering over it (or entering a passcode of course).

No just that On dark environments as well, When I get my iPhone from my pockets is well unlocked before it even gets out because of the touch ID. With face recognition you have to keep it like an idiot on the front of your face to be unlocked.
That being said, can't see Apple replacing touch ID with anything else. They may add extra features but not remove one of the best.
 
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A MacBook lover

Suspended
May 22, 2009
2,011
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The iPhone 7 'upgrade' has gotta be the biggest underwhelming change in the the history of the iPhone (outside of S releases).

Glad I stuck with the 6. The 8 looks like it will be revolutionary. Give me wireless charging and bezel free OLED display and I'll be happy.

My 7 plus pictures blow my 6s out of the water. For me it was as big (if not bigger) than the jump to 6->6s
 

farewelwilliams

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Jun 18, 2014
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Would be a bad move IMO.

Do you know how many times a day I have to unlock my phone? Can't imagine all the extra camera activations would be good for battery life. All this crap is just as useless as Siri. They should focus their efforts on improving features most people use.

there are some applications for this. some parts of an app could have sensitive information but others can be viewed publicly. for example, maybe there's a photo album that you don't want others to see (PORN?) but you don't mind handing someone else the device to look at other photos. Or if someone launches your Safari browser, all private tabs (PORN?) are blurred out until your face is detected or when you return back to non-private mode.
 
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