Apple's 2019 iPhone range to get an improved face identification system: Ming-Chi Kuo

With the launch of the iPad Pro 2018, Apple has completely transformed its product line for iPhone and iPad, from the Touch ID to the Face ID for biometric authentication. Now, the company is preparing an upgraded version of the Face ID technology that could debut on the launch of the iPhone next year.

According to TF International Securities badyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who is currently publishing a new report on the supply chain, the iPhone lineup for 2019 will feature a Face ID upgrade. Kuo think that the 2019 iPhone models will arrive with an improved face identification experience, where Apple will increase the power of the illuminator. This will help reduce the risk of environmental interference with face recognition. The upgrade would mean that users of the 2019 iPhone would face fewer incorrect unlocking when using Face ID to unlock their device.

Kuo's note adds that Apple's suppliers such as IQE, Lumentum and Win Semi will remain the main suppliers of Face ID hardware and will benefit from the enhancements the company plans to bring next year. In addition to new details regarding the improvements to Face ID, Kuo also announced that Apple would market the next iPad hardware in the fourth quarter of 2019 or the first quarter of 2020.

Information on the next iPad hardware comes as Apple prepares to launch the 2018 iPad Pro product line to consumers. According to Kuo, the next iPad could include Apple's new 3D modeling technology called "Time of Fly (ToF)" in the camera. The feature should also arrive on the iPhone in 2020, but will debut on iPad.

Watch: Apple iPad Pro (2018) Hands-On

Kuo had previously predicted that the 2019 iPhone lineup would echo the three models introduced this year. He also thinks that Apple will have two models of OLED iPhone and an LCD model next year. It also plans to launch a new low-cost iPad mini to replace the iPad mini 4. We'll have to see if Kuo's predictions come true when Apple launches new products next year.

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