Apple’s 3D laser scanning module may make an appearance on the widely acclaimed 5.8-inch iPhone with an edge-to-edge OLED display with a front facing 3D laser scanner for facial recognition, according to JPMorgan analyst Rod Hall.
Hall has stated the scanner will replace Touch ID on the so-called iPhone 8, as Apple plans to remove the Home button to allow for the edge-to-edge display. His new research note now claims the so-called iPhone 7s and 7s Plus could also have a 3D laser scanner based on increased volume of the module within Apple’s supply chain.
The scanner is touted to add another $10 to $15 per unit to the iPhone 8’s bill of materials, which alongside the OLED display, glass casing, and other increased production costs, could make its retail price up to $100 more expensive than it would be without those features, if Apple looks to maintain a similar profit margin.
The increased costs means the already bordering on the line of the most expensive iPhone ever, the new price according to a report would be upwards of $1000 in the United States.
The iPhone 7 Plus sells for $969, which means the new iPhone 8 is expected to have a lot of features which means it will cost more. The definition of more here means a bigger price tag and multiple reports suggesting the iPhone 8 will be a “premium” device.
The report also confirms some iPhone 8 design rumors, describing the device as “something like a smooth black monolith, with very few visual interruptions to its sleek design.” This jibes with rumors indicating Apple design chief Jony Ive has been aiming for an iPhone that looks like a single sheet of glass with Home button and Touch ID fingerprint sensor located under the display.
Hall has stated the switch to facial recognition will help alleviate consumer issues when Touch ID does not work under wet conditions. He also added that facial recognition will potentially be more secure than Touch ID.
The research note stated the 3D laser scanner could eventually be used for other purposes, such as augmented reality. Kuo had previously stated that the iris or facial recognition could either replace Touch ID or augment its functionality to create a two factor verification system.
