A new report from Bloomberg reveals that Apple is looking at the possibility of bringing back Touch ID fingerprint sensor "as early as its 2020 iPhones." The publication says it will add the feature to the existing Face ID authentication unlock system, which should allow users to authenticate with either face biometrics or fingerprint.
Though Apple will try to add the feature next year, it may still slip to 2021, which echoes the prediction made by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who said that the Cupertino giant will introduce a new iPhone with both Face ID and Touch ID in 2021.
Apple is reportedly dealing with suppliers and has prototypes ready, but we're not sure if the feature will be included in iPhones en masse, or if it will make it in time for the next-generation iPhones.
An iPhone with both Face ID and Touch ID will make things easier and faster for users in terms of unlocking the device. Once the facial signature and fingerprints are registered, the phone will be unlocked as soon as it recognizes the owner. This means that Touch ID can make up for the weakness of the Face ID, and vice versa.
For example, an iPhone user with a skin condition like psoriasis may not benefit from fingerprint recognition, so a Face ID will make things easier. If you're wearing a ski mask or a headscarf and need to unlock your phone quick, Face ID will not work but Touch ID will.
In the same manner, Touch ID will easily unlock your phone if its flat on a desk, which is always the case for most iPhones. Face ID is not really well-suited if your phone is lying flat on a desk. If your fingers are wet, your fingerprint won't do you any good, but you know what works? Face ID.
It is also believed that Apple would launch an affordable iPhone sometime in 2020. Nikkei reports that the phone will share the likeness of the iPhone 8 and would still have a Touch ID home button, which is a feature that, by default, is included in flagship iPhone models.
The 2019 iPhone 11 series will be officially announced next week, and while Touch ID is lacking, it will have a better Face ID system that can recognize at more angles. The new iPhones will also have a slew of camera improvements.
Apple's next big event will take place at Apple Park on Tuesday, Sept. 10, according to invitations it sent to select media outlets on Aug. 29.
