Code strings unearthed from the iOS 11.3 developer beta code reference something called a “modern iPad,” potentially referring to an upcoming refresh of Apple's tablet lineup with new features like iPhone X's TrueDepth camera and its advanced Face ID facial recognition system.
A sketchy rumor from South Korea alleges that iPhones coming in 2019 and beyond may feature a smaller notch as Apple may combine the FaceTime camera and the Face ID module.
Apple's TrueDepth camera on iPhone X uses infrared sensors that capture light in the wavelength range of 800nm to 1300nm to achieve pattern-based depth mapping, allowing it to work day or night, like devices used for medical diagnosis, food inspection and night vision.
While iPhones introduced next year are expected to feature basically the same TrueDepth camera as one found on the new iPhone X, models coming in 2019 will be outfitted with an upgraded TrueDepth system that'll consume more power and require larger-capacity batteries.
Developer and Washington University computer science graduate Nathan Gitter has created an interesting eyebrow-controlled arcade game designed specifically for iPhone X, called Rainbrow, that takes advantage of the new TrueDepth camera system.
Apple's Vice President of Product Marketing, Greg Joswiak, said in a recent interview with Tom's Guide how proud Apple is of the notch on iPhone X.
iPhone X shipping times saw improvements to one to two weeks across the board this week. This triggered speculation that weak demand for Apple’s latest flagship might have been the cause of these improved delivery dates.
Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities refutes this speculation, instead reporting that Apple has made significant supply chain improvements that are responsible for these accelerated shipping estimates.
A few tinkering developers have actually used the facial data collected from the iPhone X's TrueDepth camera system to create 3D models of their face. One was even able to 3D print his face, though with questionable results.
Reports have cropped up online claiming that one of the marquee iPhone X features, called Animoji, doesn't require depth sensors built into the new TrueDepth camera system.
Whenever a significant new technology is incorporated into mainstream mobile phones, such upgrade should naturally be fair game for scrutiny and critique. Conversely, if by objective standards the new arrival clears all bars, I can think of two reasons why it feels critical to acknowledge the innovative work done by its originators: because for one that credit has been hard earned and - looking at the bigger picture - sowing doubt about a feature that will inevitably saturate most phones in the market is only going to needlessly unsettle the consumer in the long run.
iPhone X is still making its way to early adopters, but we've already seeing some pretty unique and surprising uses for its advanced TrueDepth camera system.
No iPhones introduced in 2018 will be outfitted with a rear-mounted TrueDepth camera system because Apple and its suppliers are expected to focus on reducing costs and selling prices while implementing other spec upgrades to attract consumers, as per analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.