iPhone 8 Rear Touch ID, Vertical Cameras Confirmed?

You know that whole thing with everyone copying everyone else in the wireless industry? Well, it’s happening again. A number of Android smartphones already have their fingerprint readers on the back, the latest of which being the upcoming Galaxy S8. Despite earlier rumors to the contrary, it looks like the Apple iPhone 8 will have rear Touch ID too instead of keeping the sensor on the front.

A leak has been unearthed via Chinese site Weibo that “confirms” at least two key details about the upcoming Apple flagship. The first thing you’ll notice is the rear Touch ID sensor, which looks similar to the LG G6 and the Nexus 6P, among others.

Earlier, we had heard that Apple wanted to integrate the fingerprint reader into the iPhone display itself, “hiding” it behind the screen. We had also heard that Samsung wanted to do the same, but I guess the technology isn’t quite ready for either company. The leaked schematic does appear to confirm the removal of the main home button, however, just like on the Galaxy S8. If this is the case, a virtual home button is likely for the iPhone 8 as well.

The other especially noteworthy feature we notice in the leaked schematic is the orientation of the dual cameras on the back. Instead of being side-by-side in a horizontal layout, like on the iPhone 7 Plus, the iPhone 8 will apparently stack them vertically. You’ll also notice the leaked dimensions of the iPhone 8: 149 x 72.5 x 7.1mm. Compare that to the iPhone 7 (138 x 67.1 x 7.1mm).

It’s important to note that this leaked schematic is for EVT 03, which means it’s the third revision of the Engineering Validation Test. This means that it’s likely not the final version of the phone and it’s still subject to change. What do you think about the rear Touch ID? Is that better or worse than having it on the front? What about the removal of the home button a la Galaxy S8?