Apple claims Bloomberg’s report on iPhone X Face ID is false
Last month, Apple had to face an embarrassing glitch at the launch of its premium flagship, iPhone X while demonstrating Face ID, the company’s new facial recognition software that unlocks the device. If this was not enough, a new report from Bloomberg citing anonymous sources claims that Apple has told its manufacturers to reduce the accuracy of Face ID components in iPhone X so that the parts can be tested faster.
For those unaware, Apple has replaced its Touch ID in iPhone X in favor of Face ID, which uses the TrueDepth camera system on the top of the display to unlock the device. Face ID can also be used for authentication, payments, accessing securing apps and be used with Apple Pay as well.
The Bloomberg report says that Apple “told suppliers they could reduce the accuracy of the face-recognition technology to make it easier to manufacture”. It also says that “a less accurate Face ID will still be far better than the existing Touch ID.” However, the report does not specify whether Apple relaxed its requirements before or after it announced its Face ID at a press conference on September 12.
On the other hand, Apple has disputed Bloomberg’s accusation of relaxing accuracy for Face ID. “Bloomberg’s claim that Apple has reduced the accuracy spec for Face ID is completely false. The quality and accuracy of Face ID haven’t changed. It continues to be 1 in a million probability of a random person unlocking your iPhone with Face ID,” the company said in a statement.
Apple’s iPhone X will be available for pre-order on Friday and go on sale on November 3. Rumors of iPhone X production challenges have been doing the rounds for months. Whether or not this rumor has any weight only time will tell. Keep watching this space for more updates!
