Mike Wuerthele
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that the 2018 model-year iPhone will launch "on time" and with a "stable supply" sporting the existing TrueDepth system, and Face ID user authentication.
In a research note seen by AppleInsider Kuo believes that prognostications of a lower-spec TrueDepth system with hybrid glass and plastic lenses in a late 2018 iPhone are inaccurate. The analyst believes that Apple will stick with the existing technology with no increase or decrease in sensitivity or accuracy.
Furthermore, Apple's supply of the components needed for the future iPhone, as well as the iPhone X are "now stable, leaving no need to switch to other solutions."
Glass suppliers for the system in 2017 are expected to be Largan, Genius, Hoya, and/or Asia Optical, suggesting that Apple has either already diversified its supply chain, or will have done so before any 2018 model year phone heads to mass production.
Earlier in April, Kuo predicted that Apple will push its advantage over Android handset makers by integrating Face ID and its underlying TrueDepth camera system into all 2018 iPhone models, completely replacing current Touch ID technology found in the iPhone 8.
Android-based 3D sensing technologies are expected to mature between the second half of 2018 and first half of 2019, which will lead to higher rates of adoption, Kuo saidKuo said.
He also believes that the TrueDepth system will be integrated into the 2018 iPad lineup.
Charles Martin
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35 Comments
Gas pedal mashed against the metal. Impressive
I hope Apple is digging a meaningful moat here on the technology, IP/patents, vendor lock-in and supply
I wonder if this component was ever in short supply or if this was one of the standard annual rumours for new iPhones. This one did feel different than previous reports of component shortcomings, but it's also an atypical year for the iPhone. I just hope that Face ID comes to iPads and Macs soon.
from now: "The New iPhone X" which in 2018 will have a newer processor, better battery etc etc, introduced at the price of the current iPhone X. iPhone X will drop in price. Keep iPhone (Whatever Iteration) and its plus sibling at a very affordable price - (hopefully with newer processors, rest can stay the same)
Rumors and analysts are now synonymous when it come to Apple.
I don’t believe a word unless it comes from Apple.
This guy will say the obvious “FaceID coming to other Apple devices!” And if they don’t in 2018 he’ll use the analyst exit plan “well AHEM! There was a supply issue so they had to hold off until next year”.
Let’s be real, we all know FaceID isn’t gonna stay trapped in iPhone.
Watch is the most practical. Imagine the battery life it will save? Only turning on when you look at it.
I hope Apple can shrink the technology in 2018 or eliminate it. Maybe place the cameras and speaker into the tiny top bezel? That would be awesome.
Cant wait for iPads and Macs with FaceID also.
I see a new SE soon that hopefully drops the old one for the same price.