Apple has just launched the iPhone X, its 10th anniversary iPhone, and the iPhone 7's successor dubbed the iPhone 8. However, reports claim that the company is already planning for a 2018 iPhone line-up, which will reportedly opt for a Face ID over Touch ID.
iPhone 9 Predictions
According to analyst Kuo, Apple is going to select Face ID as its authentication method for an advantage over top-class Android smartphones, which are giving competition to the Apple's iPhones.
We predict all-new 2H18F iPhone models will likely abandon fingerprint recognition. We believe this change will allow all new models to realize a competitive advantage via differentiation, on the back of an integrated user experience of full-screen design and TrueDepth Camera/ Facial recognition/ Face ID/ AR applications.
"We're not sure what that line-up will look like, but we'd guess at an iPhone 9, iPhone 9 Plus, and perhaps some kind of iPhone X sequel," says KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
The KGI Security analyst also writes that 3D sensing will be a "key selling point" of all new 2018 iPhone models. While Apple, at this moment, is facing the manufacturing difficulties with 3D sensing, Ming-Chi Kuo claims that TrueDepth cameras and Face ID feature in the upcoming Apple products will help Apple "capitalize on its clear lead in 3D sensing design and production for smartphones."
Future iPhones vs Future Android Smartphones
On the other hand, Kuo also says that some Chinese smartphone makers might launch under-display fingerprint technology in 2018; however, Kuo doesn't see it catching on due to high selling prices of those smartphones. The Android manufacturers are also trying to get the 3D techniques for the smartphones.
Problems Might Be Faced Using 3D-Sensing Technology
Previously, Ming-Chi Kuo predicted that the upcoming iPad will adopt TrueDepth come 2018, and now he claims that the iPhone will go the same route. However, in case if there's a problem, it's finding sufficient parts in the supply chain to deal with demand. A shortage of the components required for just the iPhone X has led to worries that it could be several months before Apple can meet all of its preorders.
The analyst suggests that Apple's transition away from Touch ID will also make Android smartphone manufacturers absent from fingerprint recognition. Kuo is expecting high-end Android smartphones to "ditch" under-display optical fingerprint recognition in favor of 3D sensing techniques for future Android smartphones.
