Other FaceID phase out (hope not)

[537635]

I really worry that this might be happening. For me, FaceID is, by far, the best biometric ID. Very little cons, all pros basically. Works in the dark, works with gloves, you swipe the screen and the phone unlocks, passwords are entered automatically, you don't need to put your finger on the reader to do it... basically this is the "iris scanner" from sci-fi movies.


Lately there is a lot of chatter about Apple moving back to TouchID for future devices, because it takes less space inside the device. Furthermore adoption of FaceID has stopped completely in the last years. No new devices are getting FaceID (iPads, Macbooks, iMacs, displays). It's been years where only iPhones and iPad Pros have it.

On top of all this with iOS 26 FaceID has become much more "laggy". With face mask, glasses, unlock procedure takes much longer (even on 17 Pro) and often fails.

I really, really hope I'm wrong about this. I get a new iPhone every year, but moving back to TouchID would probably be the nail in the coffin where I would draw the line and not upgrade.

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

I find them phasing out FaceID as likely as them facing out the battery.

 

[537635]

I hope you're right.


I would just expect they would put it everywhere by now. At least iPad Air, definitely Macbook Pros, iMac maybe.


Maybe device thickness is the problem. On the iPhone Air they had to move the Dynamic Island lower because of that.

 

[Johnny Steps]

I hope you're right.


I would just expect they would put it everywhere by now. At least iPad Air, definitely Macbook Pros, iMac maybe.


Maybe device thickness is the problem. On the iPhone Air they had to move the Dynamic Island lower because of that.

Yeah I’m really surprised the Mac doesn’t have it with those notches.

 

[achappy]

FaceID is one of those features that separates Apple from other devices and Pro IPads from others so I don’t see them going away from it unless necessary for the device (i.e. the rumored Fold). I won’t buy a device again without it. Tried the iPad Mini a few times and after having FaceID on my M4 IPP and iPhone it’s a downgrade in usability to have to always reach up and touch the power button.

And for me and everyone I know on iOS26 FaceID has been just as reliable as on 18.

 

[537635]

I just find it curious that it evolved from iPhone Pros to the whole lineup in a couple of years.

Other device categories it's been fixed for years (basically iPad Pro and that's it).

 

[nelle douville]

Touch ID is a non-starter for me. It doesn't work for at least half of the year because my hands are too dry.

I doubt they will phase it out.

 

[subjonas]

When Face ID was introduced I believe it was Federighi who said Touch ID will stick around since it makes sense for some situations (and that some situations may even make sense for both biometrics to be used together, though I haven't seen them do both yet), so we shouldn't be surprised if we've reached some kind of equilibrium of Face ID and Touch ID devices.

And don't forget the economy iPhone model just got Face ID this year, and the Air is a brand new model and has Face ID.

 

[537635]

Touch ID is a non-starter for me. It doesn't work for at least half of the year because my hands are too dry.

I doubt they will phase it out.

For me as well. I'm actually considering getting an iPad Pro only because of FaceID. I currently use a regular iPad, but the TouchID, as said, doesn't work half the time and when it doesn't, it's frustrating, especially when I compare it with iPhone's FaceID, which just works.


Anyways... it was just a thing that crossed my mind, when I noticed some lagginess in iOS26 when unlocking and reading about them going back to TouchID for the foldable iPhone.

 

[caligurl]

sure hope not! the ONLY reason i have a pro iPad is because i HATE touch (never works for me!) and i wanted face on my iPad!!!!

 

[NotApplicable]

I love touchID and would love to see it come back in iPhone. But I don’t think there is any evidence faceID is going anywhere

 

[thefrost]

Don't worry pal. That won't be happening.