Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Mobile
  3. News

Apple rumored to ditch Touch ID on 2018 iPhone lineup, will replace with Face ID

By

2018 iPhone
Image used with permission by copyright holder
While Apple opted for Touch ID with the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, next year’s iPhones could possibly abandon the feature completely. The 2018 iPhone lineup may adopt Face ID for all of its next-generation devices, reports 9to5Mac.

With Face ID, you can unlock your phone and allow access to other features on your device by scanning your features. It uses a neural engine to map the contours and shapes of your face in real time — but isn’t confused by hairstyles, hats, or beards. Apple also says there is only a one-in-million chance someone can find a way around the system — whereas Touch ID has a one-in-50,000 chance.

Recommended Videos

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently claimed that the future of Face ID was extremely dependent on the consumer reaction to the iPhone X. But his most recent statement explains that Apple is most likely going to lean toward 3D sensing completely.

Related

Kuo also said the feature is key as far as selling points go for 2018 iPhone models. Even with the difficulty Apple is facing regarding the manufacturing of 3D sensing, Kuo believes TrueDepth cameras and Face ID will help Apple capitalize on its lead when it comes to this technology.

According to the analyst, Apple’s TrueDepth camera module — which is the hardware behind Face ID — is between one to two years ahead of comparable technologies. The infrared cameras, ambient light sensors, proximity sensors, and dot projectors, are reportedly a challenge when it comes to mass manufacturing.

But even with its challenges, Apple’s focus on 3D sensing leads Kuo to believe new iPhone models in the future will ditch fingerprint recognition completely. The decision will give Apple an edge against competitors because Face ID will allow all iPhones to include a full-screen design.

Earlier this week, Kuo also predicted Apple’s next iPad camera may also be compatible with Face ID.  Specifically the next 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro will have an experience “consistent with the iPhone X.” Although, the report does not speculate what will happen to the fingerprint-scanning Touch ID sensor that exists on the current iPad Pro models.

While a few Chinese manufacturers may launch under-display fingerprint technology, that means a higher price point. Kuo believes manufacturers are leaning toward 3D sensing instead of having to go with in-display or the more common option — rear-placed fingerprint sensors.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Brenda Stolyar
Brenda Stolyar
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Brenda became obsessed with technology after receiving her first Dell computer from her grandpa in the second grade. While…
5 phones you should buy instead of the iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 15 Pro Max lying on the ground surrounded by leaves.

Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max is one of the top choices for a premium smartphone. It offers the latest and greatest from Apple, including the new A17 Pro chip, a fantastic camera system, a lightweight titanium body, the Action button, and USB-C charging. It's a great package.

But there’s no doubt about it — the iPhone 15 Pro Max is also quite expensive, with a starting price of $1,200. It’s also not the only option out there if you want the best smartphone on the market, especially if you aren’t particularly invested in the Apple ecosystem.

Read more
5 phones you should buy instead of the iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro in Natural Titanium held in hand in front of a wooden gate.

Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro is what we consider one of the best iPhones that you can buy right now. It offers most of the latest cutting-edge tech from Apple, including the powerful new A17 Pro chip, an improved camera system, a beautiful ProMotion display, a titanium body, the new Action button, and USB-C. It’s Apple’s most premium phone but in a compact size.

But if you’re in the market for a new phone, you should know there are other options, too. You don’t necessarily need the latest and greatest from Apple, especially if you’re not truly vested in its ecosystem.

Read more
Why I ditched my iPhone 15 Pro for the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro in hand.

This is not another “lifelong iPhone user tries Android” story. I use and review all kinds of phones, and I prefer the flexibility of Android. That said, I’ve been on the iPhone 15 Pro since its launch — for two reasons. First, I had been getting the iPhone 14 Pro Max-level battery life on it. Second, I like the stability of social media apps like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). But the experience has been downgrading for a while now.

Samsung's "AI phone," the Galaxy S24 Ultra, tackles these two issues and gives me some extra features that I didn’t think would be important for me. It’s been a surprisingly fun experience. Here’s why I shifted to the Galaxy S24 Ultra from the iPhone 15 Pro and decided to stay on it. And no, it has nothing to do with AI.
Updates have ruined the iPhone 15 Pro

Read more