Word around the tech world is that Apple is moving away from the Touch ID fingerprint sensor on future iPhones. A report citing a source in the Chinese integrated circuit sector shared via Weibo suggests that the manufacturing equipment used to produce Touch ID chips has been largely decommissioned. This leads to a conclusion that Apple may not reintroduce the fingerprint scanner on upcoming smartphones in the near term.
The most recent iPhone model to feature Touch ID remains the third-generation iPhone SE. Rumors point to the fourth-generation SE adopting Face ID, a more advanced biometric verification method that relies on facial recognition rather than fingerprints.
There are indications that Apple is exploring an in-display fingerprint solution. If this technology progresses, it is expected to arrive around 2026 and could carry a new branding distinct from the original Touch ID.
There is also a note that Apple previously explored security features for MacBook displays and patented antispyware screens, highlighting the company’s ongoing interest in protecting user privacy across devices.