When Face ID debuted with 2017’s iPhone X, suddenly the fingerprint-sensing Touch ID looked like it was set to go the way of the floppy disk drive and the headphone jack: both examples of tech that Apple kicked to the curb.
But mounting rumors suggest that it will be making a comeback on 2021’s next-gen iPhones. In a report, the Wall Street Journal says that Apple has been working on in-screen fingerprint technology, and is currently considering including both Touch ID and Face ID on the same device.
Touch ID Could Make a Comeback
The report is based on conversations with two former Apple employees, presumably with knowledge of Apple’s plans. Although their position as ex-employees means that they were unable to categorically state that this is the case, it does back up a previous report from Bloomberg, saying that Apple was testing this technology.
In-screen fingerprint sensors were originally rumored for the iPhone X, although this did not wind up coming to fruition. The advantage of embedding a Touch ID sensor in the phone display, rather than in the now-vanished Home button—as was the case starting with 2013’s iPhone 5s—is that it allows Apple to still include the larger display, along with Touch ID.
For the most recent iPad Air, Apple got around this problem by shifting the Touch ID sensor to the power button on the side of the device. However, for its next premium iPhones, it sounds like the company is seeking out an alternative solution.
It’s not yet clear whether, if it does make a return for the next-gen iPhones, Touch ID will be found on all of the devices. In 2017, Face ID was included only on the iPhone X, while the regular iPhone 8 included Touch ID in place of facial recognition. It’s therefore possible that in-display Touch ID wouldn’t necessarily be included on every model—although no report has yet said one way or the other.
A Solution for a World of Mask-Wearers
One other smart reason for including Touch ID as an option would be due to the coronavirus pandemic. One would hope that, by September 2021, the pandemic will be under control to a far greater degree than it is today.
But, with the high likelihood that people will still be wearing masks widely, this would offer another way to unlock your phone when users are out and about—since Face ID does not work when people’s facial features are obscured by a mask.