Ming-Chi Kuo: All iPhone Models In 2018 Are Likely To Abandon Fingerprint Recognition, While To Adopt Face ID Instead

According to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo's new investors note that was sent out this evening. All of the iPhones Apple plans to produce in 2018 are likely to abandon Touch ID fingerprint sensor in favor of facial recognition, with the analyst last month said all 2018 iPhone are likely to feature with Face ID

According to Kuo, Apple will embrace Face ID as its authentication method for competitive advantage over Android smartphones. Kuo has previously said that it could take years for Android smartphone manufacturers to produce technology that can match the TrueDepth camera and the Face ID feature coming in the iPhone X.

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.

The analyst writes that 3D sensing will be a “key selling point” of all new 2018 iPhone models. While Apple currently faces manufacturing difficulties with 3D sensing, Kuo says TrueDepth cameras and Face ID will help the company “capitalize on its clear lead in 3D sensing design and production for smartphones.”

KGI's prediction also suggests that all upcoming 2018 iPhones will feature a full-screen design with minimal bezels like the iPhone X, meaning no additional models with the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus design would be produced. That would spell the end of the line for Touch ID in the iPhone, which has been available as a biometric authentication option since 2013.

Whilst Kuo believes that Apple's transition away from Touch ID will also turn Android smartphone manufacturers away from fingerprint recognition. As he said in an earlier note, he expects high-end Android smartphones to "ditch" under-display optical fingerprint recognition in favor of 3D sensing techniques.

Via MacRumors And 9to5Mac, Image Via The Gospel Herald And AppleInsider