iPhone 8 Infrared Face Detection and General Device Design Revealed in HomePod Firmware

Late last week, Apple released early firmware for its HomePod smart speaker, which won't be launching to the public until December. HomePod will run a version of iOS, and the firmware released by Apple corresponds to iOS 11.0.2.

One iOS developer has dug into the firmware and discovered that it also contains hints of what we can expect for other devices. Most importantly, the firmware includes numerous references to infrared face detection within the BiometricKit framework that is currently home to Touch ID authentication, supporting claims that the iPhone 8 will rely at least in part on facial recognition. Developer Steven Troughton-Smith has also confirmed these discoveries.

Within BiometricKit are new "FaceDetect" methods addressing such circumstances as faces being too close or too far from the camera, the presence of multiple faces, and more.

face detect iphone 8
Other references point to infrared capture in BiometricKit, pointing toward the rumored infrared sensors on the front of the iPhone being involved in capturing images for authentication, rather than using visible light through a traditional camera.

face detect infrared
Various references point toward the code name for this functionality being "Pearl," while the code name for the iPhone 8 is "D22." The iOS 11.0.2 HomePod firmware also includes a glyph for this D22 device representing an iPhone that looks much like the rumored iPhone 8, featuring a full-front display with a notch cut out at the top for the earpiece and sensors.

iphone 8 glyph
The iPhone 8 is expected to debut around the usual September timeframe, but availability may be delayed somewhat due to production difficulties. Apple has reportedly been trying to incorporate Touch ID fingerprint sensing beneath the device's display, but some rumors have suggested Apple has had difficulty achieving that goal and may instead switch to facial recognition for authentication purposes.

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Top Rated Comments

rosalindavenue Avatar
104 months ago
Personally, if there is only face detection and no Touch ID on the new phone I plan to hold on to my 7 Plus another year. No interest in swiping my face for Apple Pay.
Score: 67 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WildCowboy Avatar
104 months ago
I wonder how facial detection will work (if at all) in low light situations. I can't see how it would be much use.
Low light doesn't matter. It uses infrared...the device emits its own IR light.
Score: 52 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Sunny1990 Avatar
104 months ago
So the cutout on the top is final. Hope Apple make it like this on the white front.



Attachment Image
Score: 33 Votes (Like | Disagree)
snebes Avatar
104 months ago
Exciting. A solid leak.
Score: 31 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ErikGrim Avatar
104 months ago
Can't see this being a hit with muslim women.
Score: 31 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Sunny1990 Avatar
104 months ago
Hope it's not touch id replacement. Only 6 weeks to go. i am very excited about this launch :)
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)