Ever since Apple released the Gold Master edition of iOS 11 on Saturday, September 9, many facts regarding the Cupertino-based company's products have come to light. Foremost among these are the information regarding the iPhones that will be launched this year. It was revealed that the flagship smartphone will likely be called iPhone X, while the iPhone 7's refreshed model will be named iPhone 8.
Finally, the refurbished iPhone 7 Plus will be called iPhone 8 Plus. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also weighed in on the facial recognition feature of the iPhone X and revealed how it would work.
What did Kuo say?
One of the most well-known and accurate Apple analysts, Kuo claimed in February that the iPhone X would feature the 3D facial recognition technology and that it would be revolutionary. Now, just a couple of days ahead of the launch of the impending Apple handset, Kuo sent out a note to investors in which he detailed how the 3D facial technology would work on the iPhone X. He says that Face ID will depend on four major factors of the handset, namely, the front camera, a time of flight/proximity sensor, structured light receiver, and a structure light transmitter.
The sensors which are used for the Face ID's functionalities will be present on the notch that will be housed on the top of the display. The structured light sensors will be responsible for calculating the depth information on the 2D images taken by the selfie camera. Using software algorithms and the data from the structured light sensors, a 3D image can then be created by the iPhone X. The proximity sensor would be used to alert the handset's user if they have placed the smartphone too far away or too near their face while scanning for Face ID. However, Kuo says that in order for all of these to work properly, Apple will need to ensure that these are aligned properly before the final assembly takes place.
All of the iPhone X models, which are rumored to be available in black, white, and gold shades, will come with a black coating on the front glass to ensure that the sensors are hidden away from view. The ambient light sensor in the handset will be used to change the brightness of the display and Kuo feels that it will also help the Face ID function properly.
Why Face ID is being added?
Apple tried to incorporate the Touch ID sensor under the display for the first time in this year's flagship handset. However, it was unable to do so in a viable manner. This led to Apple ditching the Touch ID sensor for the 3D facial scanning biometric security on their handsets.