The positioning of Touch ID has changed yet again in the latest iPhone 8 leak.
A machined rear panel for Apple’s upcoming device suggests the company still has plans to put a fingerprint scanner on its back — as indicated by earlier leaks. But it won’t be a pain to reach like the Galaxy S8’s.
Let’s just get something straight: There’s nothing wrong with rear-facing fingerprint scanners. It might seem like a stupid idea if you’ve only ever used an iPhone, but those who have used rear-facing scanners on Android will know that they’re just as intuitive — if not more so.
Unlike Samsung, which made the Galaxy S8’s fingerprint scanner difficult to reach, Apple could place the iPhone 8’s beneath the Apple logo on its back. Your fingers will already be in this position when you hold the device, so using it won’t be a problem.
It might not be the most exciting solution — we’d much prefer Touch ID embedded beneath the iPhone 8’s display — but it is probably the simplest, and rumor has it Apple has been struggling to manufacture a fingerprint-scanning display in time for this year’s refresh.
There are other options the company could be exploring, however. A recent report suggested it could merge Touch ID with a larger power button on the iPhone’s side, while others have claimed it will scrap fingerprint scanning altogether in favor or facial recognition.
We’re no closer to finding out where Touch ID will be on the iPhone 8, then, and we probably won’t know for certain until it gets its official unveiling this September. But thanks to leaks like this one, we know Apple is at least exploring a rear-facing option.
This particular rear panel surfaced on Chinese website Baidu. It looks genuine, and could well be a final iPhone 8 chassis, or an early prototype. It could also be a third-party case designed to fool us, so don’t read too much into it just yet.
Killian Bell is a freelance writer based in the U.K. He has an interest in all things tech and also covers Android over at CultofAndroid.com. You can follow him on Twitter via @killianbell.
17 responses to “iPhone 8’s Touch ID returns to the back in new leak”
Lol. Smh. I like iPhones but you fanboys are the worst. I remember hearing how “UGLY” and “STUPID” the back fingerprint scanner was when you were “certain” that the iPhone would have done something else. Now that iPhone MIGHT it’s “it’s not a bad idea”, “it’s ok”, lol my goodness…Then the author says it’s much easier to reach than the samsungs back scanner (true). But it is just as accessible as the myriad of other android back fingerprint scanners! lololol smh.
I actually defended a rear-facing fingerprint scanner back in April: https://www.cultofmac.com/477831/iphone-8s-touch-id-back-friday-night-fights/
I didn’t just change my mind.
If it makes you feel any better, I still think it’s ugly and stupid.
Proud Galaxy S8 user here, there’s nothing difficult about reaching the fingerprint scanner on the fabulous S8.
“fabulous”…what a dweeb. You sound like you designed it yourself.
.. or he just really appreciates his personal choice in mobile communications.
I have an S8 as well and hate it, aside from visual design. The fingerprint sensor is worthless. I use the iris scanner. They should have put the scanner where the flash is. Reaching across the camera is stupid and the damn scanner doesn’t actually work anyway.
lies,
You knew everything about it, hated it and purchased one anyway?
Why would I lie about it? I knew the fingerprint scanner location was dumb but figured I could use other authentication measures. I own an electronics repair company. I buy all the newest phones when they come out. I’ll be replacing this one when the new iPhone comes out too.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/280236d7ebb08092914693c1cae5fc1c10cea27445ccda14b2417bf05451aeff.png
Provided you don’t have a case or gelskin on the back.
I have a Spigen slim fit case. I usually use a case the first few months of a new phone and then I go naked.
Some years ago, a CNC model like this would have everyone fooled. Today, you can’t find a custom car/bike/other shop without one. This could be made literally in minutes – by a lot of people.
When the phone is released, we’ll know. Until then, ugh.
LOL 100% Agreed. A $3500 Shoreline mill could make this.
This makes no sense. All the rumors say the iPhone 8 will have wireless charging which you can’t have with a phone with a metal back. My theory is that if this is an iPhone, it’s the iPhone 7s Plus.
I think HTC had a phone a year or two ago with metal back and wireless charging.
Maybe they put something on the inside that can pick up a charge.
Noooo!!!… I use an iPhone case that doubles as a wallet/credit card holder. If the Touch ID is placed on the back I won’t be able to access it. I definitely won’t go back to carrying a wallet and cellphone ever again.