IPhone 13 models ‘likely’ to have Touch ID under the screen

The iPhone 13 models scheduled to launch this year “probably” will feature a fingerprint scanner embedded under the display for authentication, in addition to Face ID, according to Barclays analyst Andrew Gardiner and three of his colleagues.

In a research note shared with MacRumors today, analysts added that iPhone 13 models will have a smaller notch and that LiDAR Scanner will remain limited to iPhone 13 Pro models this year, which aligns with information shared by the well-known Apple analyst, Ming -Chi Kuo earlier this month. Barclays said its research is based, at least in part, on “broad industry conversations” with suppliers in recent weeks.

Analysts believe that a smaller notch on the iPhone 13 models will be the result of a “more integrated version of the current structured light system” for Face ID, adding that a “major change” is likely to come in 2022, with Apple apparently the goal of adopting a flight time architecture for Face ID that would allow for an “even smaller footprint”. This aligns with Kuo’s prediction that at least some 2022 iPhones could feature a perforated screen, with only a small hole visible on the screen, like many of Samsung’s recent smartphones.

Here is the excerpt from the research note, with added emphasis:

For the next cycle of the iPhone 13 in 2H21, we anticipate a more integrated version of the existing structured light system, which will allow for the long-awaited notch reduction. At the rear, we don’t expect Apple to expand the adoption of the Lidar 3D sensor beyond Pro models.

For the 2H22 product cycle, we anticipate an architectural change from structured light to flight time, allowing for an even smaller footprint. Based on our conversations in the sector, we do not believe that the structured light under the screen is ready for mass deployment in 2H22. We also see the adoption of digital printing under glass, which is probably added to iPhones 2H21, as a structural barrier to additional 3D detection content at Apple and could be the security feature of the future.

The return of Touch ID with a fingerprint reader under the display has been spread out several times. In August 2019, Kuo said Apple planned to launch an iPhone equipped with Face ID and a fingerprint scanner under the screen in 2021, but in his research note earlier this month, he did not mention this feature for models of the iPhone 13.

Bloombergis Mark Gurman and Wall Street NewspaperJoanna Stern also said that Apple is at least testing a fingerprint scanner under display for the iPhone 13 models, so time will tell if the feature will be considered appropriate.

Barclays analysts were the first to say that Apple planned to stop including a charger on iPhones. In the past, they have also accurately revealed True Tone coming to the iPhone 8 and iPhone X, the removal of the headset adapter with the iPhone XS and iPhone XR models, and the removal of the 3D Touch on all iPhone 11 models.