Apple iPhone 8's 3D Face-Scanning Feature Revealed In HomePod's Firmware

Developer Steve Stroughton-Smith tweeted Sunday revealing that the HomePod firmware has confirmed a rumored iPhone 8 feature. The iPhone 8 is expected to feature an infra-red front camera with 3D face unlocking capability, according to the tweet.

Stroughton-Smith further revealed that Apple will have a biometric kit for developers while another iOS developer Guilherme Rambo confirmed that the iPhone 8 will have an edge-to-edge display with a large screen-to-body ratio.

All these revelations have been sourced by the developers from the firmware of the company smart speaker, the HomePod. Stroughton Smith had also revealed some HomePod features confirmed by the same firmware last week.

Read: Apple HomePod Features: Firmware Reveals New Details About Amazon Echo Rival

Going by the rumors, leaks, and revelations that have been surfacing lately, Apple is more or less confirmed to ditch its traditional Touch ID home button. Instead, it was rumored to go for facial recognition or a display-embedded fingerprint sensor. Now that official HomePod firmware has seemingly confirmed the existence of facial recognition on the device, chances are that the device might not feature a display-embedded fingerprint sensor.

Previous reports stated it has been difficult for companies such as Apple and Facebook to feature a display-embedded fingerprint sensor due to production line issues. The Samsung Galaxy S8 was also rumored to feature one during early 2017, but the phone finally featured a fingerprint sensor on the rear of the device.

An edge-to-edge display is expected to be a single glass layer and a display-embedded sensor would disrupt its continuity. Furthermore, the displays being made by Samsung are expected to be more sensitive than traditional bezel displays and to deliver the touchscreen sensitivity along with the sensor might be difficult currently as per the current display technology.

The fact that besides an ARKit, Apple could provide a BiometricKit to developers indicates that the iPhone 8’s face recognition capabilities might be used for more than just unlocking the device. Chances are that the phone’s front camera might be used for making payments or unlocking individual apps.

The inclusion of face recognition technology might give the iPhone 8 an edge over rivals such as Samsung Galaxy S8.

Read: iPhone 8 Final Design: Power Button Might Double As Touch ID Fingerprint Sensor

According to a render sourced by Engadget, the iPhone 8 could feature a glass back, which would make long-distance wireless charging possible on the device. A wireless charging coil is expected to be featured under the rear chassis. The device is also expected to have AR-based features and a multi-sensor camera at the back.

The iPhone 8 is expected to also feature 3D imaging capabilities, which might help the company entice gamers.

The device is also expected to include an improved version of the Siri voice assistant on the device, which will compete with Samsung’s Bixby and Google Assistant.