Apple is reportedly working on touch-less gesture control for future iPhone handsets, as well as curved displays.
A Bloomberg report from well-connected Mark Guttman says users would be able to control the iPhone by moving their fingers in close proximity to the screen.
According to the report, the gesture technology would be able to determine the distance of the finger from the handset, presumably using depth sensing tech akin to what is currently used in Face ID.
The sources say the tech won’t be ready for ‘at least two years’ and there’s still a chance Apple may not follow through on the current R&D work.
Apple’s tech could be similar to Samsung’s current Air Gestures features, judging by today’s report, with the tech built into the display.
Many other OEMs have attempted to perfect touch-less controls down the years. For example, the Moto Actions feature enables users to turn the lock screen on and off by waving a hand, among other things.
Related: iPhone 9
In terms of the display itself, the report says Apple’s interpretation will curve in slightly at the top and bottom of the screen.
Samsung’s Galaxy handsets curve in at the side edges of the display, so Apple would be able to differentiate with that approach. As Bloomberg points out, the iPhone X already curves in ever-so-slightly at the bottom of the display, but future iterations could see this become much more pronounced.
This year Apple is reportedly planning to launch two handsets. The rumour mill suggests a 5.8-inch handset, along with a whopping 6.5-inch handset. Speculation concerning a third handset rocking a 5.3-inch display appears to have died down in recent weeks.
We’re expecting Apple to announce and release its new handsets in September this year. Our first official clues may come at WWDC in June when Apple previews iOS 12.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
