Apple redefined smartphone security when it introduced the Touch ID fingerprint scanner technology on the iPhone 5s. Now, Apple is rumored to introduce "Iris ID," a retina scanning technology for the iPhone soon.
According to a report from DigiTimes on Monday, Apple will allegedly roll out iris scanners on new iPhone devices by 2018. Meanwhile, DigiTimes also reports Samsung is expected to introduce the technology to the consumer market in its flagship smartphone by the second half of 2016.
If the information is accurate, it's puzzling why Apple would wait until 2018 to roll out its iris scanner when its rival is ready to release it later this year. As Apple Insider pointed out, DigiTimes’ track record for Apple's product plans is mostly accurate, although the purported timing of the features are not. In fact, Apple Insider previously reported that an iris scanner could be implemented into iPhone as early as 2017.
Given Samsung's rumored schedule, it is more likely for Apple to introduce Iris ID sooner rather than later. What's more, recent reports regarding the naming of the next iPhone device further supports Iris ID for 2017.
Over the weekend, renowned Apple expert Evan Blass tweeted details regarding the release window of the upcoming "iPhone 2016," which is expected to drop on the second week of September. Despite a historic pattern that suggests to us that the upcoming iPhone is the 7 and 7 plus, Blass and many Apple insiders have claimed the tech company may break away from its naming pattern.
While reports have consistently claimed that the next iPhone will do without a 3.5mm headphone jack for a thinner, more sleek design, analysts do not foresee enough major changes from the current iPhone 6s to merit a new number. What's more, reports also claim Apple may be saving a "round number" designation for its 2017 iPhone to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Cupertino's game-changing smartphone.
Are you excited for Iris ID coming to a future iPhone? Let us know in the comments below!
