New in OS X: Get MacRumors Push Notifications on your Mac

Resubscribe Now Close

iPhone 8 May Include Facial and Gesture Recognition

Wednesday January 18, 2017 11:19 am PST by Juli Clover
The next-generation iPhone 8, set to debut this September, could include facial or gesture recognition technology, according to Cowen and Company analyst Timothy Arcuri (via AppleInsider). The facial recognition capabilities could be powered by a laser sensor and an infrared sensor located near the front-facing camera.

We've previously heard rumors suggesting the iPhone 8 could include advanced biometric features like facial recognition or iris scanning, both from KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chu Kuo and from details sourced from the Asian supply chain.

With facial recognition, Apple could replace the Touch ID fingerprint sensor in the iPhone or augment its functionality with a two-factor verification system for sensitive information. In this scenario, unlocking the iPhone would require users to scan their faces, something that would increase security on iOS devices.

spacegrayiphone
Facial recognition could also power other features on the phone, like augmented reality camera functions, and while gesture recognition is a new rumor, it could allow users to control their devices with simple gestures for doing things like turning volume up or down.

Capabilities like gesture control and facial recognition are also some of the first steps towards a rich augmented reality experience, something Apple is rumored to be working on.

Arcuri also reiterates several rumors we've previously heard. He believes Apple will launch a total of three iPhones, the standard 4.7 and 5.5-inch models and a new higher-end 5.8-inch iPhone with an OLED display.

The 5.8-inch iPhone, he says, will feature a wraparound display and a Touch ID fingerprint sensor that is located under the glass, a technology Apple has been pursuing for some time. Wireless charging, a much-rumored and highly desired feature, is also expected.

Today's report from Timothy Arcuri covers many rumors that have been circulating for a few months, which is similar to much of the information that comes from the analyst. Cowen and Company has something of a mixed track record, but accurately predicted some iPhone 7 features.

Tags: Timothy Arcuri, Cowen and Company
[ 136 comments ]

Top Rated Comments

(View all)

Avatar
AngerDanger
37 months ago
I sincerely hope Apple is working on improving its facial recognition algorithms. The ones iOS currently uses are… lacking.



Rating: 17 Votes
Avatar
DrumApple
37 months ago
Would be a bad move IMO.

Do you know how many times a day I have to unlock my phone? Can't imagine all the extra camera activations would be good for battery life. All this crap is just as useless as Siri. They should focus their efforts on improving features most people use.
Rating: 13 Votes
Avatar
yaxomoxay
37 months ago
This would feel big brotherish... especially when someone (*) is browsing questionable websites...

*= obviously not me!
Rating: 10 Votes
Avatar
Jbusick7944
37 months ago
I like being able to unlock my phone while laying on the desk by lazily laying a finger on it.
Rating: 7 Votes
Avatar
Rafamrqs1
37 months ago
Every time I read that'll have to buy a giant ass phone in order to gain access to the premium features I just get angry. Don't get me wrong, I'm willing to pay extra to have the latest features, just don't force me into the whole phablet thing. The 4.7" phone fits perfectly in my hands.
Rating: 7 Votes
Avatar
yaxomoxay
37 months ago

Hooray, finally Siri will be able to see my exasperation when she bungles my commands!


"I am sorry, I can't recognize your facial expression. Did you mean, find the nearest McDonald's?"
Rating: 7 Votes
Avatar
rudychidiac
37 months ago
What for? I think it's more of a gimmick rather than a useful feature.
Rating: 6 Votes
Avatar
gtgrad95
37 months ago
The iPhone 7 'upgrade' has gotta be the biggest underwhelming change in the the history of the iPhone (outside of S releases).

Glad I stuck with the 6. The 8 looks like it will be revolutionary. Give me wireless charging and bezel free OLED display and I'll be happy.
Rating: 5 Votes
Avatar
usersince86
37 months ago
I have a face for radio. Maybe the iPhone won't hold that against me. :D

Seriously, if this works as well as touch ID, it would be pretty cool.
Rating: 4 Votes
Avatar
69Mustang
37 months ago

there are some applications for this. some parts of an app could have sensitive information but others can be viewed publicly. for example, maybe there's a photo album that you don't want others to see (PORN?) but you don't mind handing someone else the device to look at other photos. Or if someone launches your Safari browser, all private tabs (PORN?) are blurred out until your face is detected or when you return back to non-private mode.

Pr0n? What's this... pr0n you speak of? Asking for friend.:rolleyes:

/deletes 5 years of browser history:oops:
{7GB of storage freed}

/phone starts updatingo_O

OMG! So many emoji!!:eek:


On topic: Facial rec as a 2nd or 3rd auth factor isn't a bad idea. It works like a charm on Windows Hello.
[doublepost=1484771444][/doublepost]

Iphone pro perhaps?

Unrelated to topic but I hope Apple never insults customers with the inane "pro" moniker on a phone. Seriously, what would make a phone pro? A free Plantronics headset and a coffee stained tie?
Rating: 4 Votes

[ Read All Comments ]