Apple iPhone 8 display assembly leak could be another sign not to expect Touch ID on the model

Sure, we can hear brokerage house analysts, anonymous Apple executives, purported Foxconn assembly line workers and a cocktail waitress tell us that there is no Touch ID button on the 10th anniversary edition of the iPhone. Then, we can see renders of the device purportedly containing an extra large power button; this starts a theory that Apple will deploy Touch ID on the side of the phone, a placement that has been used by Sony for its biometric scanner.

Today, we have a little more proof that Touch ID will not be touchable (or even available) in the iPhone 8. Images alleged to show the 2017 premium model give us the opportunity to decipher some of the sensors on the unit's complete display assembly. The leak focuses on the cutouts found on either side of the earpiece. The two same-sized circles to the left of the earpiece are expected to be used for the 3D iris scanner that will use facial recognition to unlock the iPhone and possibly verify identification for Apple Pay.

The scanner to the right of the earpiece is purportedly going to be used for the FaceTime camera (known in Android circles as the "front-facing camera") and the sensor at the far right is also believed to be for Iris Scanner use. Apple's plan "A" was to embed the fingerprint scanner under the front glass. But like Samsung discovered, the technology is just not ready for something like this in 2017. Apple's plan "B" had seemingly been to place a Touch ID button on the back cover. But when the gang at Cupertino floated this as a trial balloon, the Apple faithful shot it down quickly.

Another problem is the unnamed second horizontal cutout above the one for the earpiece. While easily seen on the photo from Japan's Macotakara, it apparently doesn't appear on the leaked images of the display assembly.

So that leaves us with the current possibility, which is that the iPhone 8 will go without a fingerprint scanner and will focus on the iris scanner (no pun intended). The questions remain, is Apple so sure of this technology that it is willing to use it to replace Touch ID? Are the financial institutions that partner with Apple on Apple Pay as sold on the iris scanner to prevent identity theft as they are with the fingerprint scan? Hard answers to difficult questions have apparently been decided as mass production of the most anticipated iPhone in years has reportedly begun and September is just under four weeks away.


source: SlashLeaks via Macotakara.jp