The iPhone 8 or the iPhone X (whatever it might be called) is almost here and the world of smartphone leaks has gone crazy with iPhone leaks every single day. One of the biggest arguments was with regards to the authentication system on the next iPhone — whether it will be a display-embedded TouchID or no TouchID at all. The HomePod firmware (read here) gave away an indication that the iPhone X will rely on FaceID, i.e. facial recognition.
However, AppleInsider has unearthed certain patents that point towards Apple working on a new TouchID technology. According to patent, this new TouchID will use acoustic imaging to read the user’s fingerprint details. In essence, it will utilise ultrasonic technology, like the one from Qualcomm. The system sends out an acoustic pulse which can pass through a second layer, which is reflected back to piezoelectric transducers that determine the image of whatever object is touching the substrate.
However, Apple also states the limitation of its ultrasonic TouchID technology. The Cupertino giant states that its under-development system requires a lot of ‘higher electrical requirements’ for driving the piezoelectric components. To solve the issue, they have another system of integrated transducer controllers to keep the system from crashing. Considering the complexity of the proposed TouchID tech, it seems that putting their tried and tested capacitive TouchID sensor on the back would be a better idea.
Anyways, the new TouchID technology is not going to be a part of the next generation iPhone as has been described by many leaks. If Apple’s FaceID works as flawlessly as the TouchID, then moving to the new technology wouldn’t be a bad idea.
