An image which has shown up on the Chinese microblogging service Weibo depicts what is claimed to be an authentic backplate for the iPhone 8 — complete with missing rear-mounted Touch ID sensor.

Earlier this year, reports circulated that Apple was considering moving the Touch ID sensor to the rear of its next-gen iPhone, much as Android device makers have been doing. Provided that this image is authentic, it suggests that this is not the case.

Goodbye, Touch ID?

The need for the Touch ID sensor to be moved comes from the fact that Apple is reportedly planning to take a note from the Samsung Galaxy S8 playbook, and feature an edge-to-edge infinite display on the iPhone 8.

A video posted on YouTube over the weekend, alleging to show a prototype of the device, demonstrates that this makes it possible for the iPhone to boast a 5.8-inch screen in a slender body not much bigger than the standard iPhone 7.

Apple has reportedly been among a number of companies interested in embedding Touch ID fingerprint sensors beneath its smartphone’s display. However, while Apple has filed patents to this effect, and Qualcomm has demonstrated that the technology is possible, it’s reportedly not yet viable.

As a result, respect Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo wrote that, “We predict the OLED model [iPhone 8] won’t support fingerprint recognition” in a note to investors. Instead, rumor has it that Apple will use 3-D facial scanning that could prove faster, easier and more secure than the fingerprint reader currently used for logins and payments.

In a recent article, Bloomberg wrote that:

“The sensor’s speed and accuracy are focal points of the feature. It can scan a user’s face and unlock the iPhone within a few hundred milliseconds, the person said. It is designed to work even if the device is laying flat on a table, rather than just close up to the face. The feature is still being tested and may not appear with the new device. However, the intent is for it to replace the Touch ID fingerprint scanner, according to the person. An Apple spokesman declined to comment.”

The apparent Weibo leak doesn’t shed any definitive light on this, although it does look to rule out a possible rear-mounted Touch ID.

More on the iPhone 8

Other recent reports about the new iPhone 8 include the suggestion that it will come in four different color options including a new mirror-like reflective version, according to Twitter designer and leaker Benjamin Geskin.

For a post detailing everything we’ve heard about the next-gen iPhone 8 — which also reportedly sports an OLED display and wireless charging — check out our summary here.

Are you excited about the iPhone 8? Leave your comments below.

Source: Weibo

Via: Apple Insider