This Week in Tech: Apple Must Decide What to Do With Touch ID

Sometime in the next few weeks, Apple will have to decide which of its “iPhone 8” prototypes becomes the company’s next flagship device. The choice in recent days seems to have narrowed to two choices, although a third one shouldn’t be discounted.

The main difference between the three prototypes is how they handle Touch ID. The most innovative of the three models and the one preferred inside of Apple includes a front-facing, virtual Touch ID beneath the display.  Unfortunately, production issues remain for this model.

The second device, which we’ve been calling “Plan B,” has a physical Touch ID on the back of the device right below the Apple logo. This model is almost certainly the one Apple will select if yield issues remain for “Plan A.”

The third prototype has no Touch ID. Instead, it depends on biometric technology including iris recognition or 3-D sensors for authentication.

The Choice. I remain convinced this is a two handset race between Plan A and Plan B. As such, despite current production issues, I still think Apple will select the first option for release.

Here are some more technology headlines from the past week:

• Accidental Document Leak Seemingly Confirms Apple’s AR Glasses
• Apple Set to Unveil Second-Generation 12.9-Inch iPad Pro?
• The Long-Rumored Apple Car Project is Apparently on Track
• The ‘iPhone 8’ Could Reportedly Feature An Apple Watch Like Stainless Steel Frame

In the past two weeks, Christine Chan has added seven new reviews to our App Review library, including:

• Watch Objects Transform Into Each Other in Vignettes
• See Hilarious Battles Ensue in CATS: Crash Arena Turbo Stars
• Fly Through a Gorgeous Dreamscape in Fairyland Story
• Help Kiwis Recover Lost Eggs in Mallow Drops
• This Charming Word Game Will Have You Under a Spell
• Color Your Way to Zen in Polycolor’s Relaxing Puzzles
• Escape a Nightmare in Onirim, a Solitaire-Style Board Game

With spring in full swing, now’s a great time to update your accessory wardrobe. The best way to do this could be to buy a new Apple Watch. For a limited time, NikeLab is offering a limited-edition Nike+ Apple Watch.

The new watch combines a Space Gray Series 2 Apple Watch with an exclusive Light Bone/Black band. The NikeLab Innovation x Innovators logo appears on the inside of the band.

Arriving on Thursday, April 27, the limited-edition watch will be available in both a 38 and 42mm version and retail for the usual $369 and $399, respectively. They will be available on Nike’s site, NikeLab locations, and an Apple pop-up location at department store Isetan in Tokyo.

For other accessory news, see:

• Logitech’s New POP Smart Button Brings One-Touch Control to Apple HomeKit Devices
• Elago’s Aluminum Dock is Perfect For Charging All Your Lightning Devices
• The D-Link Omna 180 Cam HD Brings a New Apple HomeKit Category Into Focus
• Master & Dynamic Unveils the MA770, a Concrete Speaker

TED Vancouver kicks off tomorrow, April 24 through April 28. On April 26, the Internet of Things Developers Conference begins in Santa Clara, California.