If you were planning to pre-order the iPhone 8 for its augmented reality (AR) capabilities, we have some news for you.
According to Apple analysts, reports of augmented reality on the iPhone 8 may have been exaggerated. While Apple is still actively and aggressively pursuing the technology, those in the know believe that Apple will choose to save AR for a later model (likely the iPhone 8s) rather than delay shipment of 10th anniversary iPhone.
The belief that the new iPhone would offer AR technology did not come out of the blue. Apple CEO Tim Cook has long hyped AR both as the future of Apple and the future in general. In particular, he believes that while VR closes the world out, AR allows “individuals to be present in the world, but hopefully allows for an improvement on what’s happening presently.”
The breadcrumbs look like this. In February, Apple’s partnership with Lumentum, a “market-leading manufacturer of innovative optical and photonic products” came to light. Analysts suggested that this meant Apple was working on developing 3D sensing technology with the end goal of recognizing both user’s faces for authentication and identifying objects in any camera frame. Then, there was the rumor that Apple had over 1,000 engineers in Israel working on this project.
At the time, analyst Steven Milunovich told his clients that,
Our work suggests that AR could be the next major innovation from Apple and that its competencies could make the company a winner … Augmented reality is an area where Apple could leapfrog competition in providing a superior user experience. This could result in sustained iPhone retention rates and more switchers.
In March, everything seemed to be going to plan. Apple was awarded a patent for “advanced facial recognition technology” and “enhanced face detection using depth information.” In light of this, analysts put forth that the iPhone 8 would likely feature a camera and infrared model that could detect faces and lead to 3D selfies. 3D selfies, in an example given by CNBC, could be used to replace a character’s face in game. Some analysts thought Apple would ditch the fingerprint sensor and home button, opting for biometric facial scanning.
Now, however, Apple analysts are hedging their bets. A patent is not actual technology and 3D sensing, it appears, will be pushed back to a little longer. The delay may even lose Apple the honor of being the first to offer this technology. If Apple waits to introduce AR with the iPhone 8s, the analysts believe Chinese OEMS (Huawei, Oppo and Vivo) will introduce AR first.
Of course, this is all analysts analyzing what the same analysts had previously analyzed. So, do with this information what you will.
