iPhone 13 Leak Suggests Apple Will Bring Back Older Biometric Technology But With A Catch

As the wave of rumors continues to circulate surrounding the iPhone 13, tech pundits point out that not everything might be accurate. On the other hand, one pervasive speculation might be possible as the pandemic has rendered face recognition software all but useless.

Apple has omitted Touch ID on its flagship smartphone since the debut of the iPhone X in 2017. Since then, users were left with two options to secure their device: Face ID and Passcode.

If the latest leak is true, consumers who prefer to stay within the iOS ecosystem could eventually unlock the iPhone 13 via fingerprint. Moreover, it would also mark Apple's first time using an under-display biometric sensor instead of the older version.

For those wondering, this is a component add-on, so older flagships such as the current-generation iPhone 12 series and those older are not likely to get it. Tom’s Guide points out that in January, Bloomberg’s Mark Gruman listed the addition of an in-screen fingerprint reader for the iPhone 13.

He claims the hardware is likely to come from Qualcomm, which already supplies Apple with 5G modems for the iPhone 12. It was also noted that despite its absence since the iPhone X, Touch ID remained in use, albeit on different devices such as MacBooks and budget-tier iPhones.

According to Gruman, Qualcomm recently introduced a new version of its under-display fingerprint sensor. If Apple pushes through with Touch ID, it will most likely use this new version.

Meanwhile, Face ID is not going away anytime soon. The return of the fingerprint-based biometric scanner will offer iPhone 13 users more versatility concerning smartphone security.

Earlier this month, MacRumors reported that a reliable source -- TF Securities analyst and Apple supply chain insider Ming-Chi Kuo -- believes the iPhone 13 will still keep the same notch. Now, Tom Guide reported that Barclays analyst Andrew Gardiner too suggests the same, but with some minor changes.

Instead of the typical size and design found on the latest iPhones, it will be remarkably smaller. Gardiner reportedly said the iPhone 13 notch will be a "more tightly integrated version of the current structured light system."

Another feature that will remain exclusive to the Pro version of the iPhone 13 will be the LiDAR sensors. These coupled with other upgrades such as Touch ID, 120 Hz refresh rate and LTPO display panels are among the rumored changes in store for Apple’s 2021 flagship handsets.