William Gallagher
Supply chain sources claim Apple intends to make an exclusive China iPhone which will drop Face ID and instead use an under-the-screen fingerprint sensor.
Sources within the supply chain are claiming that Apple intends to launch a new iPhone that is cheaper and made exclusively for customers in China. Following Apple's falling sales in the region, it's said that Face ID will be dropped to save costs, and a form of Touch ID using a new fingerprint sensor under the screen will be used.
China's Global Times says that sources claim the move is likely to "save on costs" and that omitting Face ID will be a significant saving. Reportedly the structured laser technology that is a significant component of Face ID, costs several hundred yuan. (Currently 100 yuan is the equivalent of $15.)
"Only Apple can afford [that]," the Global Times source said, "but that would also affect its sales."
It would not be the first time that Apple has made a modified iPhone for the Chinese market — the company produced a dual-SIM model for the region. Former Apple advisors have also previously urged the company to make a China-specific iPhone.
This is the first time a specific rumor has surfaced, however, and there has been no supporting claim from the generally accurate analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The Global Times has a poor track record on predicting Apple's plans.
Andrew Orr
Amber Neely
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
14 Comments
That'd be a great name for one of these Apple Analysts ... 'Iffy"
Make the same model for the people’s republic of me. I’d like that same model. I’m a fan of TouchID.
Fake News.
I call BS on this.
No Face ID and Touch ID under the screen may end with full display iPhone without the notch. Actually such model might sell more than all X series combined. It would be unfair to limit that model only to China.
Face ID is great.
Is it a breakthrough: YES
Is it implemented perfectly: YES
Is it more secure: YES if kept away from kids and siblings .
Is it a need: NO
Is it for the masses: NO
Apple has managed to bury Face ID into the small bezels of the new iPad Pro. Two bezels of that width, top and bottom might be preferred to a bezel-less but almost-full display with a notch on an iPhone...
Apple has fortunately avoided that notch trap on the iPad Pro, couldn’t they make the iPad Pro smaller, removing all bezels to get almost-full display with a notch? They couldn’t go so far, an iPad Pro cannot tolerate such a compromise as the notch.