Touch ID does not return with iPhone 13, despite Apple’s testing of the sub-display sensor

Despite having tested and worked on the technology, Apple decided not to include a Touch ID sensor under the display with the upcoming iPhone 13, continuing to leave customers with Face ID as the only biometric authentication option for the screen. ‘iPhone.

Apple had tested the ‌Touch ID‌ technology that would have allowed the company to place the sensor under the screen of the iPhone‌, allowing users to simply put their finger on the screen to authenticate. As Apple regularly tests and researches new ideas and technology, reports earlier this year suggested the company was on track to include ‌Touch ID‌ under the display with the 2021 iPhones.

Now, however, Apple’s plans have changed dramatically, as Bloomberg Mark Gurman reported in his latest Power On newsletter, that a ‌Touch ID‌ sensor under the screen “won’t make the cut” for the iPhone 13‌. Gurman says Apple’s end goal is to integrate Face ID under the display rather than “Touch ID”.

The second-generation iPhone SE is currently the only ‌iPhone‌ in the lineup to feature ‌Touch ID‌, but it has recently reappeared in the iPad. With the latest generation iPad Air, Apple engineers were able to integrate ‌Touch ID‌ into the power button. Apple could choose to bring this same technology to future low-end iPhones while keeping Face ID exclusive to high-end models.

The reasons for Apple’s decision to drop its initial plan to include ‌Touch ID‌ with the iPhone 13‌ remain unknown; However, the company may not have felt the technology is mature enough to be incorporated into its flagship iPhones. Alternatively, the company may have felt less pressure to include the feature after the launch of iOS 14.5, which allows customers to unlock their iPhones with their Apple Watch.

The global health crisis and the daily use of a face mask have increased the demand for Touch ID‌ because Face ID does not work when a user is wearing a face cover. Apple fixed the issue with iOS 14.5 and watchOS 7.4, allowing customers to unlock their ‌iPhone‌ while wearing a mask, as long as they have an Apple Watch.

While the lack of a ‌Touch ID‌ sensor below the screen will be disappointing for some, Apple is still planning significant upgrades with the iPhone 13‌. New iPhones will focus heavily on camera capabilities, including ProRes mode and portrait mode for videos. The new handsets will also feature a smaller notch, bigger batteries, and improved performance.