According to new reports, Apple’s next iPhone could introduce a facial recognition feature based on infrared technology to supplement security.
One of the most anticipated features of Samsung’s canceled Galaxy Note 7 was the addition of iris scanning as a new biometric sign-in option. Although that feature died with the device, new rumours suggest that Apple could bring a similar feature to the next iPhone through infrared-based facial recognition.
The feature is addressed in a research note distributed to clients by Cowen and Company, where it is alleged that Apple’s next iPhone “appear(s) to include some form of facial/gesture recognition supported by a new laser sensor and an infrared sensor mounted near the front-facing camera and, as expected, should also finally include wireless charging.”
Read: Apple reportedly goes all-in and readies a second generation Apple Pencil
Apple acquired PrimeSense – an infrared imaging firm – in late 2013, leaving any to speculate that the company is preparing to offer facial recognition as a security measure in either future builds of iOS or the iPhone.
The same report further illustrates that Apple is reportedly working on three new iPhone models for debut later this year, and posits that a larger version than the Plus – apparently a ‘Pro’ – would include features such as a wraparound display and a fingerprint housed underneath a glass screen.
While it was widely expected that Apple might release an iPhone Pro next to the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, that device never came to fruition. Instead, mock devices depicting that reported model might have instead represented a test bed for future ideas.
Read: Apple and Samsung will head back to court over the original iPhone and Galaxy S
What are your thoughts? Would you be interested in buying an iPhone to make use of facial recognition technology to secure your sensitive data? Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Follow Bryan Smith on Twitter: @bryansmithSA
