Hardware issues and supply constraints are not the only problems hindering Apple from launching the iPhone 8 on schedule. Apparently, the iPhone maker has been "working feverishly" to address software issues in the iPhone 8 and if they aren't resolved quickly, the company might launch the handset with its key features disabled.
According to Fast Company, a source with knowledge of the matter said that some of the new technologies that have never been appeared on the iPhone are difficult to implement.
For example, wireless charging capability might not be enabled at launch as the software is not ready. The source said that Apple is likely to use inductive charging based on the Qi wireless charging standard or a variant of it. Prominent Apple blogger John Gruber also heard that the wireless charging feature could be enabled at a later time with a software update.
Apple is also facing a lot of problems in getting the rumored 3D sensor on the iPhone 8 to work reliably; the cause of the problem is also not hardware related. Unlike the wireless charging feature, the source is confident that Apple would get the software for the 3D sensor working in time for the launch. If it is still unable to iron out the issues, the 3D sensor could be turned on later with a software update. The Economic Daily News claimed in April that technical issues related to the adoption of the 3D sensing system might delay the launch of the new iPhone.
The 3D sensor is said to be a major feature of the iPhone 8; Bloomberg reported that it could be used to unlock the phone, authenticate payments and launch secure apps. While earlier rumors suggest that the 3D sensor might replace the Touch ID sensor on the iPhone 8, Fast Company's source said that Apple is likely to continue using the latter by embedding it under the display.
KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo wrote in his report three months ago that supply issues of key components could push the iPhone's availability to October or November. Nikkei Asian Review wrote in April that the delay in Samsung's production of OLED panels is likely to push back the launch of the iPhone.
Source: Fast Company via 9to5Mac
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