Apple's iPhones may once again feature Touch ID with the possible integration of under-display imaging technology in future iPhone models.
Apple's Touch ID may make a comeback in future iPhone models if the Cupertino-based tech giant decides to integrate under-display imaging technology in their mobile devices. Even without the physical Home button, which Apple ditched in favor of the Face ID, the company can still implement Touch ID in iPhones with help from an infrared system and through-display imaging techniques that will not affect, in any way, the edge-to-edge design of new iPhone models.
The Cupertino company began phasing out the iPhones' Home buttons in 2017 when it launched its top of the line iPhone X model with Face ID. Apple kept the physical Home buttons and Touch ID on low-end models at the time but in the following year, fans no longer saw the buttons in 2018's iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR. Apple has hinted it may bring back Touch ID through the under-display technique which can be achieved using IR imaging technology.
According to Apple, the decision to totally eliminate the Home button in 2018 along with the Touch ID was in part, the result of its development of the Face ID, as well as the redesign of the iPhone that necessitated the removal of the Home button from the iPhone's face. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Apple saw users are finding it difficult to use the iPhone's Face ID because of their face masks. This increased the likelihood of the return of the Touch ID with the help from under-display imaging technology.
Touch ID comeback for iPhones may use under-display IR imaging system
https://t.co/IHgKFSwHEz pic.twitter.com/leBlGl3Yqm — AppleInsider (@appleinsider) November 4, 2020
Apart from the raging COVID-19 pandemic, there are also many reasons why most people prefer Touch ID instead of Face ID. Instances that prove Touch ID is better than Face ID include situations where users are incapable of angling their iPhones to their faces for Apple Pay verification because they are carrying some objects or unlocking their iPhones in their pockets without pulling them out in full view of the public. Many users welcome the possibility of Touch ID coming back to their iPhones with the help of under-display imaging technology.
In a patent recently awarded by the US Patent and Trademark Office to Apple, the re-integration of Touch ID into future iPhone models even without redesigning its front to accommodate the old Home button appears very likely. The patent, which has the title "Shortwave infrared optical imaging through an electronic device display," suggests that Touch ID can be successfully implemented with the help of under-display imaging technology. The system involves using infrared light to recognize fingerprints, all the while working around various display elements. The patent, which was filed on September 26, 2018, lists its inventors as Giovanni Gozzini and Mohammad Yeke Yazdandoost.
