Update: Rather than being the next-generation M7 chip, the ‘Phosphorus’ chip shown in the schematics is likely the barometer/air pressure sensor 9to5Mac reported in June. A MacRumors forum member noted the likeliness. Original story below:
Following on from their previous reports, GeekBar is today highlighting a new set of schematics for a chip codenamed ‘Phosphorus’. The site claims the chip will serve similar roles to the M7 in the current iPhone 5s, but with additional functionality. It is very unlikely that Phosphorus will be used in official Apple marketing as it seems to be an internal codename for the chip.
The new unit appears to be able to communicate with an external accessory, as well as perform pedometer and motion tracking functions seen in the M7. Therefore, it may be possible for the new iPhones to communicate with external health and fitness devices in a low-power state, without waking the rest of the A8 SoC. The obvious speculation is that this may be a key part of how Apple intends the iWatch to synchronize with your phone, sending information like blood pressure and glucose levels to a user’s nearby iOS device.
As with GeekBar’s images, it is hard to directly pinpoint just from the details in the schematics, which significantly affects their trustworthiness. They seem confident though that these documents are for iPhone devices. Apple is expected to announce the new iPhone at a media event on the 9th of September. If Apple follows historic patterns, press invites for the event should go out sometime next week.
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I’d like to point out that Apple will need to include a separate processor to allow for the “HEY SIRI” feature to work without having the device plugged in… this could potentially be one of the additional features of the M8 chip. This would allow the feature to be noticeable on the iPhone 6.
Separate processor doesn’t necessarily mean it needs to be on a separate die from the A8, though having it separate means it wouldn’t need to be ready and validated at the same time that the A8 was. The benefit of having such a function integrated with the A8 is it will be fabbed at 20nm at TSMC, which equals lower power consumption vs 28/40/65 available for other chips at a lower cost.
Now that I’ve seen this, I guess it makes a lot more sense for the M8 co-processor to communicate with the iWatch, instead of using Bluetooth for all of the health features the iWatch would potentially have (if it is a real product).
Maybe the NFC chip could be working with this co-processor as well, if it were to be released for similar reasons such as mobile payments.
Imagine being able to pay with your smartphone and authenticating via Touch ID without having to unlock device.
Or not even having to touch the Touch ID sensor because your iwatch can confirm your identity by using your unique biometric information as confirmation O.o
If that’s even possible…
I think Apple should use ECG to unlock. Imagine if the iWatch were constantly authenticated whilst on your wrist, and constantly locked, when off. Imagine having your iWatch on and everything you come near becomes automatically unlocked, securely. Imagine walking up to your house or car door and them being unlocked before you touch them, and all of your Apple products. Making unlocking effortless and invisible to the user.
This technology is already being used in this:
http://www.betakit.com/unlock-your-smartphone-with-heart-nymi/
As the m7 coprossecor was with the A7 processor, this ” phosphorous ” coprocessor will be called m8 in line with the A8. & it has to be included in the next generation iPhone beause of the release of the iWatch. Since this ” phosphorous ” coprocessor can communicate with an external device.
i believe there will be a S8-co-cpu for “Hey siri” without the phone needing to be connected to a power source
That’s a Barometric pressure sensor. Doesn’t anyone know how to read a schematic?