I’m not sure how they can screw up this badly, but Apple has accidentally pushed out a firmware update to the upcoming HomePod that, mind you, hasn’t reached the market yet and is probably only in the homes of Apple executives. I say screw up because the firmware has reached the internet where it has no business being what with a bunch of developers and hackers always present. But hey, it’s there, it’s been decompiled, and it’s confirmed the iPhone 8.
Yesterday we showed you a piece of paper that’s coming in the iPhone 8’s box that confirmed its final design, and now we’re seeing that same depiction hidden in the HomePod software’s code. Developer/Twitter user Guilherme Rambo found the icon in the software and tweeted it out for the world to see. You’ll notice there’s very little bezels surrounding the screen alongside a notch at the top to house the cameras, sensors, and earpiece.
Me too. New bezel-less form factor as well pic.twitter.com/Y0RrSOk2OO
— Guilherme Rambo (@_inside) July 31, 2017
That’s probably enough for most people, but wait! There’s more!
Also found hidden in the HomePod’s code, for whatever reason, is confirmation that the iPhone 8 will come with biometric face recognition. There’s a ton of code that hints at “BKFaceDetect” where “BK” stands for “BiometricKit.” Seriously, I have no idea why this code is in the HomePod software, but I’ll assume the iPhone 8 and this smart speaker are connected some way or another.
I can confirm reports that HomePod’s firmware reveals the existence of upcoming iPhone’s infra-red face unlock in BiometricKit and elsewhere pic.twitter.com/yLsgCx7OTZ
— Steve T-S (@stroughtonsmith) July 31, 2017
The way this biometric recognition system will work is via infrared cameras so the technology can work in both day and nighttime conditions. It’ll use a 3D camera to tell whether you’re using your face or holding up a picture to try to trick the system, and I’m sure it’ll be stupid secure because Apple’s like that. It may also replace Touch ID, but I doubt it.
Furthermore, the bezel-free iPhone 8 will carry the trend set by manufacturers like Samsung, LG, and Essential by ridding the frame that usually sits around the iPhone’s display. It’ll also carry likely an all-glass body with high-end internals and no 32GB storage option. Plus, we’re near certain you’ll be able to charge it wirelessly.
Overall, this September should be pretty jam-packed with news from Cupertino. We’ll let you know if we hear anything further regarding this story.