News: Your Face Could Unlock the New iPhone 8

Your Face Could Unlock the New iPhone 8

There have been a number of rumors about the iPhone 8 over the past couple of months, but the latest speculation about the device's dual FaceTime camera, that could take 3D selfies, has definitely grabbed our attention.

Mac Otakara reports that there is a "possibility" that a 24 mm wide-angle lens will be installed alongside the existing 32 mm camera, or paired with a 28 mm lens.

We previously heard rumors that Apple's flagship device would incorporate a 3D camera system but this rumored facial recognition feature stands out because it's front-facing and would not be easily fooled by a picture, whereas a single lens could be tricked by an image. This is why a dual lens is neccessary.

Image via Mac Otakara

We already suspected that the iPhone 8's front camera — or cameras, in this case — could be a game changer in terms of accuracy due to its rumored infrared sensors that could apparently even tell identical twins apart. (Or evil twin, if you're unlucky enough to have one that wasn't locked away in an attic somewhere.)

A pair of cameras would get a more mathematical image of a human model. To put this in perspective (no pun intended!), think of how enhanced your vision is when you're looking at something with both eyes open, in lieu of just one. Your field of vision is completely enhanced and more well-rounded, which is the intention behind this 3D camera.

Apple expert KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously suggested that the tech giant would eliminate Touch ID with the iPhone 8 in favor of this new facial identification security method. It certainly sounds more reliable. Kuo has often been proven right in the past. Apple buying RealFace, a company known for its face recognition technology, for an undisclosed amount is also telling.

Image via Benjamin Geskin

Meanwhile, LG Innotek is said to be supplying the actual facial recognition cameras to Apple for a cool $238.5 million, according to the Korea Economic Daily. The manufacturing company already supplies the iPhone 7's rear-facing dual lens, so this new order makes sense.

An OLED-display and (almost!) bezel-less design is also expected, alongside a MacBook Pro-type touch bar which would replace the home button.

With all these new potential additions, including an iris scanner, we're pretty damn excited. But you can expect that the price will reflect the innovation. Last year, Forbes estimated that it could cost as much as $1,000–$1,200. Wow.

Then again, you can't put a price on phone security considering the amount of our personal information and data is carried around on that compact device. What I'm saying is, when you take this possible new 3D identification feature into account, the iPhone 8 is an astute investment security-wise. That is my "investment" excuse and I'm sticking to it!

Just updated your iPhone? You'll find new Apple Intelligence capabilities, sudoku puzzles, Camera Control enhancements, volume control limits, layered Voice Memo recordings, and other useful features. Find out what's new and changed on your iPhone with the iOS 18.2 update.

Cover image by Laitr Keiows/ Wikimedia Commons

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