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Reports over the last year have suggested that Apple has been developing an under-panel technology to bring back the Touch ID without sacrificing the iPhone’s all-screen design. However, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo provided an update this week, indicating that the tech giant may have decided to focus on the Face ID for future iPhones.
The TF International Securities analyst has been known for several accurate Apple predictions over the years. So when Kuo previously reported that an under-display Touch ID could be in the pipeline, iPhone users who miss the fingerprint-based biometric system were delighted.
In a tweet on Wednesday, Kuo recalled his previous forecast that the under-display Touch ID could be implemented in 2023 at the earliest. “But the latest survey indicates new iPhones in 2023 & 2024 may not adopt under-display Touch ID,” Kuo said.
I previously predicted iPhones would support under-display fingerprint sensing/Touch ID in 2023 at the earliest. But the latest survey indicates new iPhones in 2023 & 2024 may not adopt under-display Touch ID. Face ID with a mask on iPhone is already a great biometrics solution.
— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) March 30, 2022
The analyst did not issue a new forecast on when the Touch ID could return through an under-display sensor. And it is not entirely clear if the lack of Touch ID plans in 2023 and 2024 means Apple could revisit it for iPhones entering the market in 2025.
Meanwhile, Kuo noted in the same tweet, “Face ID with a mask on iPhone is already a great biometrics solution.” Some Twitter users interpreted that comment as possibly a hint that Apple has abandoned its plans for the Touch ID comeback on future iPhones. That interpretation seemed to be supported by another noted analyst, Ross Young, saying in a Twitter reply, “Under display Face ID is coming to the iPhone (16), under display Touch ID is not.”
Early into the COVID-19 pandemic, iPhone users learned that there are some inconveniences in losing the Touch ID at a time when most places require them to wear masks. That made the possibility of Touch ID’s return more than just fan service.
However, as Kuo said, Apple has already adapted the Face ID technology to better fit the situation. After two years since the pandemic was declared, Apple released an iOS update that allowed users to unlock their iPhones with Face ID even when wearing masks or glasses.
Photo by Ron McClenny on Unsplash
