Xiaomi May Have Just Beaten Apple's iPhone 8 To The Punch With This Key Feature

Apple Inc. AAPL executives may go back to the drawing board to redesign the iPhone 8.

According to BGR, China-based Xiaomi introduced two new smartphones, the Xiaomi Mi 5 and Mi 5s Plus. Both phones sport an all-metal body and many iPhone-like features, including a similar screen, battery and camera characteristics.

This shouldn't come as a surprise to those who are familiar with Chinese smartphone manufacturers that are notorious for copying Apple. In fact, as noted by BGR, Xiaomi avoids selling in the U.S. market because it will likely be "sued into oblivion" for copying Apple.

However, this time around, Xiaomi beat Apple to the punch.

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BGR stated that under the display in the new Xiaomi phones lies an ultrasonic fingerprint reader. BGR said Apple is expected to launch a completely redesigned iPhone 8 device next year with various features, including a similar fingerprint scanner.

Apple hoped a fingerprint scanner placed under the screen will free up some real estate space around the display. In fact, the home button on the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus is intended to be a "stopgap solution that will get people used to the idea of not having a physical home button."

Does Apple have another ace up its sleeve or is it back to the drawing board? We will find out soon enough.