With the launch of ARKit at WWDC 2017, Apple pretty much confirmed that their interest in augmented reality (AR) is more than just a passing one. Now according to a report from Fast Company, it seems that Apple’s upcoming iPhone 8 could actually contain hardware related to augmented reality.
The report claims that the iPhone 8 will feature a rear-facing 3D scanner that will allow for better depth detection for AR-based apps, along with a more accurate type of autofocusing system for photography. Their source tells them that the sensor in question is the VSCEL laser system, although they also note that there could be a chance that it might not make it in time for the 2017 iPhone depending on the progress of Apple’s engineers.
This isn’t the first time that we have heard that the iPhone 8 could contain some kind of AR tech. Earlier this year it was suggested that the iPhone 8 could pack a front-facing 3D laser scanner that will help scan faces which is also rumored to be a potential replacement for Touch ID. It is also said that it could aid Apple’s AR efforts, but whether or not this 3D scanner is the same sensor that Fast Company is reporting about is unclear.
Take it with a grain of salt for now, but it’s starting to sound like the iPhone 8 is going to be a feature-packed phone, which could also explain the rumors that it might cost upwards of $1,000.
Filed in . Read more about Augmented Reality (AR), iPhone and iPhone 8.