The latest in a series of photo leaks emerged late Monday, as a photo said to be of a 3D camera sensing module which will be used in the upcoming “iPhone 8” was published by Slashleaks. The module is said to add 3D face detection capabilities to the new device.
Notable KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has called the camera “revolutionary” because it consists of three modules: a standard camera front-facing camera module, an infrared transmitting module, and an infrared receiving module, all of which will allow the iPhone 8 to perform 3D sensing and modeling functions.
As with any photo leaks of this type, it’s basically impossible to measure the authenticity of the photo. However, it isn’t unusual for leaks of this kind to begin to increase in the last days leading up to an Apple product announcement. (Yesterday, we published photos said to show the new device’s OLED display assembly, component’s for the Lightning connector, and flex cables for powering other components.)
Over the last few month, it has become widely expected that Apple is eliminating Touch ID fingerprint recognition in favor of a new system built on facial recognition, which the above 3D module could be used for.
Multiple references in the recently leaked HomePod firmware indicate facial recognition could be in the way to replace Touch ID. Of course, no one will know for sure until Apple makes an announcement in September.
Apple is expected to unveil its new iPhones in September, with the “iPhone 8” boasting a glass body with an edge-to-edge OLED display with no Home Button. Two upgraded “iPhone 7s” and iPhone 7s Plus” devices. will likely also debut at that time.
