Analyst: Low yields on embedded Touch ID tech is Apple's biggest problem with the iPhone 8

Yesterday, we told you about the Wall Street analyst who now expects 3D-sensing to be pushed back to 2018's Apple iPhone 8s. The feature, to originally be found in the front-facing camera only, allows the phone to unlock and verify the user's identity by recognizing the face of the unit's owner. It also will calculate depth-of-field data so that dual cameras are not necessary for the "blur" effect created with the iPhone Portrait mode.

Today brings another rumor about the 2017 premium iPhone model, direct from Wall Street. Timothy Arcuri of Cowen & Co.shot out a note to clients today which was filled with some troubling news. Because Apple plans on eliminating buttons on the iPhone 8, allowing the screen to cover nearly the entire front of the handset, the company planned on embedding the Touch ID fingerprint scanner under the screen. While checking out the latest on the iPhone 8 supply chain, Arcuri discovered that the yield rate for Apple's own AuthenTec technology is very low. The analyst added in his note that Apple does not want to switch to an outside vendor.


The analyst says that there are three solutions that Apple could choose from. It could decide to skip Touch ID totally and use only facial recognition to replace it. This choice, Arcuri notes, is unlikely. Apple could move Touch ID to the back, but feels that this would not be "user friendly." Lastly, Apple could unveil the iPhone 8 along with the new Apple iPhone 7s and Apple iPhone 7s Plus, but delay the release of the premium model until it straightens out the problem with the low yields.

Interestingly, there already have been rumors about a delay for the iPhone 8, so we can add this one to the pile. The previous speculation also came from a Wall Street analyst who said that despite the delay, the premium iPhone model would be available during the all-important holiday shopping season.

source: AppleInsider