Apple Has 'Just Weeks' to Solve iPhone 8 Touch ID Dilemma

[MacRumors]

For all the rumors we've seen recently surrounding Apple's upcoming "iPhone 8", one of the most inconsistent remains the fate of its Touch ID fingerprint recognition technology in the redesigned flagship device, which is expected to launch in September.

In late May, supply chain sources suggested that Apple had overcome technical hurdles and that the OLED iPhone will have Touch ID integrated into the display. However, according to a report from KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo earlier this month, Apple plans to replace Touch ID in the iPhone 8 with a facial recognition security system - a prediction echoed by both JP Morgan analyst Rod Hall and Bloomberg.

In the latest throw of the dice, a report from investment publication Barron's concludes that Apple is still struggling to put a fingerprint sensor under the glass of its next iPhone, and that the company has "just a couple of weeks" to solve the matter before its earnings estimates are at risk.

According to KeyBanc Capital Markets analyst Andy Hargreaves, who contributed to the report, Apple has until August to either place orders for chips to run a fingerprint sensor, or miss that window and not have a fingerprint ID at all, or delay more significantly the release of the iPhone.

We believe it would typically take 12 weeks from placement of fingerprint IC orders to full volume production of iPhones. Consequently, if Apple is able to solve its fingerprint problems and place orders for fingerprint ICs before August, it would likely be able to reach volume production in late October or early November. We believe this remains Apple's preferred path, and expect it would be acceptable to both consumers and investors. It is entirely unclear if Apple will be able to fix the problem in this time frame.

Hargreaves considers the possibility that Apple will replace Touch ID with facial recognition "increasingly likely" as time passes, but "far from ideal". Echoing the thoughts of many observers, Hargreaves goes on to highlight the challenges a supposed replacement facial recognition security system would need to overcome to meet the standard of existing Touch ID, particularly with regard to authenticating Apple Pay.

We believe Apple's facial recognition system solution should work from many angles and in low-light environments. However, it would not work without clear line of sight to the user's face. Even if this encompassed just 5% of login scenarios, it would mean that several times a day the new iPhone would perform worse at an elemental feature than older iPhones, which would risk pushback from consumers. Further, we do not believe facial recognition would be initially qualified as an acceptable verification method for Apple Pay. While Apple could achieve this over time, the likelihood for an initial lack of Apple Pay could adversely affect demand.

Hargreaves concludes that if Apple thinks facial recognition isn't sufficient by itself for login and authentication, then a delay in the retail availability of the OLED iPhone is "very unlikely, but possible". But while the analyst believes a delay up until mid-November would not have an impact on investor expectations for the cycle, anything beyond that timeframe could have negative repercussions.

Alleged leaked 'iPhone 8' glass back panel via Weibo​

Meanwhile, alleged leaks continue to trickle out into the social media sphere, the most recent coming today via Chinese microblogging service Weibo claiming to show an "iPhone 8" production glass panel back that has no cutout for a Touch ID fingerprint sensor. Early rumors suggested Apple would relocate the sensor to the rear of the handset, similar to the Samsung Galaxy S8.

Apple is thought to have incorporated 3D sensing technology in the forward-facing camera of its "iPhone 8", which may perform a function in the purported facial scanning feature. Alongside the redesigned OLED iPhone, Apple is also expected to announce incremental updates to the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus.

Article Link: Apple Has 'Just Weeks' to Solve iPhone 8 Touch ID Dilemma

 

[Sunny1990]

I really Hope Apple have succeeded in placing touch id under the display. i am not ready to get disappointed of no Touch ID.

 

[Markiie]

Hmm, no they don't. Either put it on the front of the phone through the screen or push the phone release until October or November. No one cares to have Touch ID in the back for a September release.

 

[newyorksole]

I find this very very very hard to believe. A company of Apple's caliber probably had this figured out earlier in the year. I really don't believe they're "scrambling" to get Touch ID implemented.

 

[marvz]

Just place TouchID in the Sleep/Wake Button for iPhone 8 and then make iPhone 8s with TouchID behind the display.

 

[rosalindavenue]

These stories are so dumb. (Not being critical of MacRumors-- keep printing rumors!!-- but of the underlying story). The hardware has been locked for months by now. This is a long-decided issue, whatever the decision was.

 

[Avieshek]

I can't believe this.

 

[Yellowbean12]

Whatever Apple's solution is, they've already had it "solved" for many months now.

 

[penajmz]

I’m sure Apple already figured this out. Probably pushing these “rumors” out for hype.

 

[Sasparilla]

Apple should delay it (if this is really the case) - going to facial recognition where everyone has to hold their phones up to their faces to unlock them constantly (take those sunglasses off) isn't a good solution for your "premium" device.

Go with a fingerprint sensor on the side of the device if necessary. As others have said though, this was decided long ago - full scale production should be starting soon/already with low rate production having been ongoing at this point.

 

[mdellepi]

"Even if this encompassed just 5% of login scenarios, it would mean that several times a day the new iPhone would perform worse at an elemental feature than older iPhones"

Not really...3D facial recognition would work also in case of wet or sweaty hands and in winter when one wears gloves. So the two systems would probably even out...

 

[TheTruth101]

This are fake news just to keep people talking about it.

 

[Andres Cantu]

It always sucks when an Apple product is delayed because Apple never considers that time when the next generation comes out.

 

[jft94]

Like others have stated, I'm sure Apple has already finalized this design. I mean, it's July. The announcement is at the beginning of September. There is no way Apple has not made a decision by now.

 

[Avieshek]

I find this very very very hard to believe. A company of Apple's caliber probably had this figured out earlier in the year. I really don't believe they're "scrambling" to get Touch ID implemented.

These stories are so dumb. (Not being critical of MacRumors-- keep printing rumors!!-- but of the underlying story). The hardware has been locked for months by now. This is a long-decided issue, whatever the decision was.

I believe, Apple is reacting to Qualcomm-Vivo's recent showcase of under-screen tech which happened at first place due to rumours. Therefore, just fake news.

 

[newyorksole]

These stories are so dumb. (Not being critical of MacRumors-- keep printing rumors!!-- but of the underlying story). The hardware has been locked for months by now. This is a long-decided issue, whatever the decision was.

Exactly! Can you picture the executives, engineers and manufacturers in a meeting right now like "sooo uhh.. what are we gonna do? we want to launch in September.."

Not everything Apple does gets leaked. We don't know how many were made during their trial run. We don't know how many are made, boxed and ready to go...

 

[MrGimper]

Everyone knows Apple sign off the design on a Monday, they start making them Tuesday and Wednesday, they ship on Thursday and arrive in our hands on the Friday....

 

[MH01]

No touchid would be a poor experience . I have no intention of owning an iPhone without it

 

[Sunny1990]

Alleged leaked 'iPhone 8' glass back panel via Weib​

​

GLASS Back means strong sign it will support wireless Charing.

 

[Juicy Box]

If Apple ends up using facial recognition in place of the Touch ID, I wonder how they will spin it to convince people that facial recognition is the way to go.

Or, will they admit that they failed to keep the Touch ID in the front, and had to do something.

IMO, unlocking an iPhone with one's face might be a little awkward.

 

[Dilster3k]

Guys it's mid-July now. Around August they go through rehearsals for the keynote. I'd say by now promotional and marketing material is mostly filmed and in the editting proccess. Indicating that whatever is done is done.

 

[cambookpro]

Still reckon Touch ID will be in the power button if not embedded under the glass. Would honestly rather they delay it for a few months and have a really great product, rather than one heavily compromised.

I know you can't have everything, but this isn't waiting on some fantastical future technology - Touch ID has been a flagship feature in the iPhone since 2013, and facial recognition sounds like it's not an adequate replacement.

 

[RobNYC]

Facial recognition in place of touch id seems worse. Just being able to put your finger on the ID to pay things, download apps and even login to many apps is pretty convenient. I'd rather not have to have the phone held up to my face to do all those things.

 

[1Zach1]

Add me to the skeptics who don't believe that a device like the iPhone would be able to make a change like integrated TouchID now, it's just too late in the year.

 

[matjamca]

If there is no Touch ID on the iPhone 8, I'll consider it a major fail on Apple's part.

No step back.