iPhone 8 Key Feature Now in Serious Doubt

There's serious confusion around a key feature for the iPhone 8 just weeks before launch.

Credit: Gabor Balogh

(Image credit: Gabor Balogh)

After an earlier Bloomberg report claimed that Apple was considering ditching the Touch ID sensor on the 10th-anniversary iPhone in favor of 3D face scanning, now comes word from KGI Securities' analyst Ming-Chi Kuo that embedded Touch ID has been cancelled on the iPhone 8.

AppleInsider, which reported on this latest development, says that Apple had been working to integrate a Touch ID sensor on the iPhone 8's OLED screen. But those plans have apparently been scrapped.

In fact, Kuo believes that Samsung will be the first to use under-screen optical fingerprint hardware in next year's Galaxy Note 9.

Credit: GSM Arena

(Image credit: GSM Arena)

It was just a week ago that developers discovered evidence of iPhone 8 facial scanning in the Apple HomePod's code. In fact, the iPhone 8's front camera and sensor might even be able to read your emotions.

Meanwhile, GSMArena has obtained what could be the first "live" image of the back of the iPhone 8. The blurry photo shows a fingerprint sensor underneath the Apple logo on the back. And there's a dual vertical camera in the upper left corner of the handset's rear.

The phones are sitting in what appear to be a Foxconn box, which would signal that this is coming straight from the factory, but it's also possible that the image is fake.

So which is it? Is Apple ditching Touch ID on the iPhone 8 in favor of face scanning or will it keep the technology around? We'll know for sure in September, when the phone is expected to be unveiled.

Mark Spoonauer

Mark Spoonauer is the global editor in chief of Tom's Guide and has covered technology for over 20 years. In addition to overseeing the direction of Tom's Guide, Mark specializes in covering all things mobile, having reviewed dozens of smartphones and other gadgets. He has spoken at key industry events and appears regularly on TV to discuss the latest trends, including Cheddar, Fox Business and other outlets. Mark was previously editor in chief of Laptop Mag, and his work has appeared in Wired, Popular Science and Inc. Follow him on Twitter at @mspoonauer.