Speculations Arise over Apple's Potential Revival of Touch ID on iPhone 11
Apple's legendary tech discontinuations, like the FireWire and USB Type-A ports in old MacBooks, or the headphone jack on the iPhone 7, usually mean goodbye forever. But it seems there might be an exception to this rule, if a newly acquired patent is any indication. This patent, number 10,275,638, found by Patently Apple, hints at the potential resurrection of Touch ID on the iPhone lineup.
However, the revival of Touch ID won't resemble the home button model on an iPhone 8/8 Plus. Instead, Apple seems to be following in the footsteps of devices like the Samsung Galaxy S10, incorporating a built-in fingerprint scanner directly into the iPhone's display. This means users can unlock their phones, make payments, or enter passwords simply by touching the screen.
Illustration: (Courtesy of Apple via the US PTO)
Apple's patent mentions utilizing an acoustic imaging system for this scanner, a method considered more accurate and secure than optical in-screen fingerprint sensors found in devices like the OnePlus 6T. This technique allows for high-resolution texture maps, distinguishing between fingerprint ridges, scars, and other features to prevent false positives. Moreover, the patent hints at using this technology for scanning ears or cheeks, potentially for verifying call and text users.
While this isn't Apple's first venture into "all-screen" devices, with patent filings dating back to early 2016, the question remains: will this technology appear in the iPhone 11 (or whatever Apple names the next iPhone) later this year, or it is slated for a future model?
Regardless of the timeline, the inclusion of a more sophisticated and multipurpose Touch ID doesn't mean the notch will vanish immediately. As we've seen on numerous Android devices, Face ID and fingerprint unlock can coexist.
Given Face ID's widespread acceptance in the iPhone X, XS, and XR, is the return of Touch ID a need or desire for iPhone fans? Let us know what you think.
The patent, related to technology enhancement, suggests a potential return of Touch ID on future iPhone models, potentially replacing the optical in-screen fingerprint sensors found in other devices. Apple's approach to this feature involves utilizing an acoustic imaging system, considered more accurate and secure. Furthermore, the patent hints at the possibility of using this technology for scanning beyond fingertips, potentially on ears or cheeks.
