On iPhone, the characteristic from the Nothing Phone (3) I yearn for might catch you off guard.

On iPhone, the characteristic from the Nothing Phone (3) I yearn for might catch you off guard.

In a significant move, Apple removed the fingerprint scanner (Touch ID) from iPhones starting with the iPhone X, marking the introduction of Face ID as a more advanced biometric authentication method. This decision was strategic, supporting a bezel-less, full-screen iPhone design that offered a more immersive display and improved facial recognition technology for security and convenience.

The shift towards Face ID has been well-received, with most users finding it to work perfectly and extremely quickly most of the time when unlocking their phones. However, there are instances when Face ID is not perfect, even for the most hardened Apple fans.

Meanwhile, under-display fingerprint scanners have become the default for Android phones. The author of this article has recently been using the Nothing Phone (3), and they find the humble fingerprint scanner on this device to be a standout feature, especially when Face ID struggles. Using an under-display fingerprint scanner on the Nothing Phone (3) has been refreshing for the author, and they will miss this convenience when they return to their iPhone.

Despite the positive experiences with the Nothing Phone (3)'s fingerprint scanner, it is important to note that there is no clear evidence in the latest available public information that Apple plans to bring back the traditional Touch ID sensor on iPhones. Apple has consistently emphasized Face ID for biometric security, integrating it with features such as Stolen Device Protection that rely on biometric authentication to prevent unauthorized changes.

While Touch ID remains supported on some Apple devices like certain iPads and Macs, the iPhone line has yet to show signs of incorporating fingerprint scanners again, either under the screen or in other forms. This approach reflects Apple's focus on facial recognition as its flagship biometric technology.

The author of this article does not express a strong expectation for Apple to add a fingerprint scanner back to their phones in the near future. However, they will publish a detailed review of the phone once they have had enough time to assess its merits. The continued popularity of new iPhone models supports Apple's decision to focus on Apple ID and refine this system.

In a hypothetical scenario, the author would rejoice if a future iPhone model were to include a fingerprint scanner. But for now, Apple remains committed to Face ID as their primary biometric authentication method.

The author, after using the Nothing Phone (3) and appreciating its under-display fingerprint scanner, finds this feature to be a delightful contrast to the iPhone's Face ID, especially during instances when Face ID struggles. Nevertheless, there seems to be no imminent plan from Apple to reintroduce the traditional Touch ID sensor on iPhones, given their focus on Face ID and integration with security features like Stolen Device Protection.

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