It looks like we will have to wait a while before Apple introduces an under-display Touch ID sensor on the iPhone. This feature was somewhat expected to appear in the iPhone 13 lineup, but that did not mean we expect to see it in the iPhone 14.
However, reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has quashed the rumor, claiming that an iPhone with Touch ID under the screen will likely not appear until late 2023. This means that the feature could be added to the iPhone 15, which is expected to arrive two years later.
Kuo initially predicted that Apple would implement under-display Touch ID in late 2022, but analysts now expect a significant delay due to "lower-than-expected development progress," which "will also hurt iPhone shipments in 2022 and 2023 This will hurt iPhone shipments in 2022 and 2023."
Kuo did not provide any further details on the matter, but did mention that even if under-display Touch ID is introduced, it will not completely replace Face ID. On the contrary, both biometric options are intended to complement each other in order to provide users with more choices.
Touch ID was first integrated into the iPhone 5S home button in 2013. This feature is currently only available on Apple's affordable iPhone SE. since the introduction of the iPhone X, this feature has been replaced by Face ID.
And while Face ID is a quick and convenient way to pay Apple Pay, unlock iPhones, and authorize sign-ins, the feature is rapidly losing its effectiveness as the COVID-19 pandemic spreads. In a world where many people still cover their faces in public, Face ID can become a bit unstable and have trouble recognizing legitimate iPhone users. That is exactly why many, including us, were hoping that Apple would introduce a form of Touch ID on the iPhone 13.
But despite all the rumors, leaks, and patents, Cupertino did not include this feature. And while the iPhone 13 received a handful of upgrades, including cinematic mode, a smaller notch, and an improved camera system, the lack of Touch ID left doubts as to whether the new iPhone was worth getting after all.
Kuo also briefly mentioned that Apple's first foldable, the so-called iPhone Flip, which he had previously said would be available in 2023, may not appear until 2024.
We have already heard many rumors and alleged leaks about a potential Apple foldable. Kuo claimed that Cupertino's first foldable device could theoretically get an 8-inch display, larger than Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 3.
Also, regular leaker Jon Prosser had previously stated that Apple's purported foldable would "not actually be foldable." This informant claimed that "the current prototype has two separate display panels on a hinge." As such, its design may be reminiscent of Microsoft's Surface Duo. Prosser also added that the device would have no notch and would have round stainless steel edges that mimic the iPhone 11 design.
And just yesterday, we spotted a report from Business Korea claiming that Apple may be exploring the idea of not one, but two foldable devices, one of which would have a clamshell design (Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3-like) and another could have a foldable design like the Galaxy Z Fold 3. The source also mentions the possibility of Apple working with LG, rather than Samsung Display, on the flexible display for its first foldable device.
Currently, we cannot corroborate these rumors, and many are based on speculation. However, we would not be surprised if Apple enters the foldable device arena in the not-too-distant future. After all, we can't sit on the sidelines while Samsung dominates the list of best folding phones.
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