Apple could eliminate iPhone’s notch and Face ID for 2020 flagship

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2020-iPhone-Touch-ID
Touch ID isn't dead yet.
Concept: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Apple could deliver a flagship iPhone without a notch in 2020, according to a new report.

The device is expected to feature a new Touch ID fingerprint scanner integrated into its display — rather than Face ID. Its front-facing camera will also be hidden away behind its screen.

Reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has already reported that Apple is planning to bring back Touch ID in the future. But he does not expected that to happen until 2021 at the earliest, and he insists it won’t replace Face ID entirely.

The latest claims regarding Cupertino’s plans differ quite significantly.

2020’s flagship iPhone to drop the notch

Analysts at Credit Swiss believe Apple will release a high-end iPhone with Touch ID embedded within its screen in 2020. The technology will replace Face ID, allowing Apple to do away with the handset’s notch.

“The selfie camera is also placed under the screen,” reports Dutch website LetsGoDigital, relaying Credit Swiss’ claims. Only the most expensive model will come with these changes.

“The Swiss financial services provider reported that Apple suppliers are finalizing the development of a full screen display for the iPhone 2020.”

The report then notes that Apple has applied for three patents, published by the Japan Patent Office just this month, related to iPhone designs without a notch.

Don’t get your hopes up

We’re all dreaming of an iPhone without a notch, and it certainly seems plausible that this is a future Apple is working toward. But it seems highly unlikely this will become a reality in 2020 — for several reasons.

Rivals like Samsung have demonstrated that fingerprint scanners embedded within screens are unreliable. And we’re yet to see a mainstream smartphone with a front-facing camera hidden beneath its display.

What’s more, while Apple may bring back Touch ID, it almost certainly won’t drop Face ID entirely. The company has been pushing the latter as a superior security solution; it won’t drop it now in favor of an inferior technology.

Via: 9to5Mac

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