Apple is still having trouble getting its fingerprint scanning system into the display of the next iPhone, and has only a couple weeks left to make it happen, according to a new analysis from KeyBanc Capital Markets reported by Barron’s.
The investment bank primarily cites conversations with individuals involved in Apple’s supply chain in making its assessment, with analyst Andy Hargreaves asserting that the technical difficulties could see Apple’s next flagship iPhone delayed or shipped with no fingerprint sensor, “either of which could increase risk to unit sales and mix for the cycle,” according to a statement.
Reports of Apple’s difficulties with in-display Touch ID first emerged this spring. More recent speculation has centered on Apple’s efforts to incorporate 3D facial recognition into the new iPhone, with at least one report suggesting that the feature will in fact replace Touch ID entirely.
KeyBanc’s analysts say it would take Apple about 12 weeks from placing its fingerprint IC circuit orders to incorporating them in mass production, so it needs to place them by August if it’s going to get the iPhone to market this autumn. Abandoning Touch ID, on the other hand, “appears increasingly likely as time passes, but is far from ideal,” the report said.
Source: Barron’s
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