14 DAY TRIAL // We are only a few days away from the moment Apple will take the wraps off the new iPhone 8, and even though we’ve already discovered many new features coming to the device, the biggest leak is only now happening.
The official iPhone 8 firmware, which was discovered as a GM (final) build of iOS 11, provides us with the closest look we can get at the device before the public launch, while also confirming some of the features we’ve heard about before.
First and foremost, it’s the unlocking system that will be available on the iPhone 8. We’ve known for a while that Touch ID would go away on the iPhone 8, and it looks like facial recognition will indeed replace it, with Apple picking the Face ID designation that aligns with its naming strategy.
Face ID will work with sensors integrated in the notch at the top of the edge-to-edge display and will be exclusively available on the iPhone 8 0 – the more subtly revised models, presumably called iPhone 7s and 7s Plus, would continue to feature Touch ID.
Today’s leak includes a setup animation that will guide users as they configure facial recognition, confirming that the system would use 3D cameras and there’s a chance they won’t require owners to hold the device in hand.
Enter Animoji
Additionally, the iPhone 8 will also introduce new emoji that are animated. Called Animoji, this new pack will actually be much more advanced that you might be tempted to believe, and will use the facial recognition cameras to actually generate 3D emoji based on your own reactions.
The custom emoji will be supported in iMessage, and Apple could work with partners to add support in more messaging apps, including WhatsApp.
The iPhone will feature a True Tone Display like the iPad Pro (no evidence of ProMotion has been found just yet), according to the findings, and will be able to record video in 1080p at 240 fps. A new camera feature called Portrait Lighting will also be introduced as an evolved version of the original Portrait mode, with several settings, including Contour Light, Natural Light, Stage Light, Stage Light Mono, and Studio Light.
The iPhone 8 will also feature a new SOS mode that will be activated by pressing the volume up and the power key.
Full details about the device will be disclosed on September 12 as part of a press conference at the company’s new headquarters at the Apple Park.