The fingerprint reader has been AWOL on major Apple smartphones since the iPhone X 2017. True, the Touch ID still appears on the cheaper iPhone SE, but it is an older design. Face ID has become Apple’s standard authentication method.
But according to a new report by Bloomberg, Apple will revisit the Touch ID on the iPhone 13, now that it is possible to include a fingerprint scanner without adding to the frame or incorporating an extra relief on the back. The report says that Apple will add a fingerprint reader on the screen to the iPhone 13, following a path opened by Android devices.
While early screen fingerprint readers were often unstable, the technology has matured enough to rival regular readers, and Bloomberg sources say it can be faster than Face ID for some users. The facial ID would still be included on iPhone 13 (apparently with a smaller footprint), giving you two methods of proving your identity, in addition to maintaining the various augmented reality and selfie features.
Because now? Well, not only does Apple tend to adopt new technologies in its devices when they are mature enough to function smoothly (there’s a reason we haven’t seen the much-talked about iPhone Flip yet), but it’s also the right time for digital printing Returns. In 2020, unexpectedly, the mass adoption of the use of a face mask occurred worldwide, and the facial recognition software had difficulty in identifying people with covered mouths and noses. Although the first signs look good for our ability to live with the coronavirus in 2021 (either through vaccination or palliative treatments), we may still need some form of facial coverage for some time – especially in the coldest winter months.
Elsewhere, the report states that the iPhone 13 is likely to be an iterative update, with engineers apparently viewing it as an ‘S’ version of the device, so don’t expect any major changes to the iPhone 12. That said, we’ve heard it before, it will be a little bit thicker, and this – combined with Apple’s sophisticated new battery technology that allows cells to be thinner – gives us hope that the iPhone 12’s poor battery life will be resolved in the new version.
Speaking of batteries, Bloomberg also addresses the rumor that at least one iPhone 13 model will not have a door, recognizing that the company has “discussed” the issue. No confirmation is given anyway, however.
We are still a bit far from the emergence of the iPhone 13, with the company apparently back to its usual schedule for September this year. That said, rumors suggest that we may see a new iPhone SE model before that, so pay attention to this space.