iPhone 8 release date, specs and features: biometric identification technology to replace fingerprint scanner with facial recognition system, says Ming-Chi Kuo

Catherine Salvador Monday, January 23, 2017

A new iPhone 7 Plus is shown in Australian's flagship Apple store in Sydney, September 16, 2016, as the iPhone 7 range goes on sale for the first time. | Reuters/Jason Reed

The rumors surrounding iPhone 8 do not die down even if it is still several months away from its launch. Well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has a new prediction about the imminent handset, including the possible biometric identification technology that may come with it.

According to Ming-Chi Kuo, the 2017 iPhone has a new biometric identification technology, as well as an entirely revamped flexible organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display and 3D Touch feature.

"Apple may switch to a film sensor from the current FPCB sensor in order to provide better 3D Touch user experience, as a film sensor offers higher sensitivity," the analyst predicted, according to Mac Rumors.

"Also, we expect the new OLED iPhone will come with a flexible OLED panel. To avoid deforming the form factor of the flexible OLED panel from touch operation pressure, a metal structural part will be placed under the film sensor to provide more robust structural support," he added.

Kuo further stated that the Cupertino-based tech company has planned to install the Touch ID technology to the iPhone 8 so as to complement the bezel-less screen that it sports, aside from strengthening its security features. And since the "under glass" feature of the fingerprint scanner did not meet the requirement of being a full-screen design, an "under panel" should be used.

This apparently resulted in Apple changing the design from capacitive type system to an optical one. However, considering that the technology is still in its early stage, there is a lot of time to develop such technology. It is reported that OLED panel manufacturers are prompted to create a design in order to make the system work. The analyst believes that Apple can be successful with the bargain so as to pursue such customization.

Nevertheless, the fingerprint-recognition system may be replaced by the facial recognition system. If all else fails, then it is possible to combine both technologies for iPhone 8.