Apple first unveiled Face ID for the iPhone back in 2017, leading to the gradual phasing out of Touch ID except for the budget-friendly iPhone SE. Now, it seems that the SE is also set to lose this feature. I believe it’s an ideal moment for Apple to reintroduce Touch ID throughout the entire iPhone line, and the Vision Pro is a key reason for this.
Vision Pro sparked my longing for Touch ID on iPhone
Vision Pro stands out as one of Apple’s most remarkable technological innovations.
However, shortly after getting my hands on this ‘spatial computer,’ I found myself wishing for the return of an old favorite: Touch ID.
Why is that?
Because Face ID becomes ineffective when the Vision Pro is worn—an inconvenient reality that hits me each time I engage with visionOS.
I’ll confess that as a new Vision Pro user, my impulse to reach for my iPhone may just be a matter of retraining my habits.
Perhaps in time, I’ll master visionOS to the point of never needing my iPhone while leveraging Vision Pro.
But I have serious doubts about that.
The iPhone is here to stay for the foreseeable future. Hence, my inclination to utilize the iPhone while wearing Vision Pro will persist.
Maybe Apple can enhance Face ID through software updates to recognize my face even when I’m wearing the Vision Pro.
A similar software adjustment was made in 2022 when mask-wearing became prevalent, which made Face ID less secure but significantly more practical during the pandemic.
However, adapting Face ID to function with Vision Pro users may prove to be much more complex. Therefore, Touch ID could emerge as a feasible alternative.
Moreover, there are various benefits of having Touch ID on iPhone that others have highlighted. In some contexts, it dramatically outshines Face ID in convenience.
While not urgent, the Touch ID solution will become increasingly essential
Currently, Vision Pro is, according to CEO Tim Cook, an “early adopter product.” Therefore, early adopter frustrations like this one shouldn’t dictate Apple’s strategic choices.
However, as we progress in the next few years, before Vision products achieve widespread usage, I sincerely hope Touch ID finds its way back to the iPhone.
Having under-display Touch ID would be fantastic. Yet, Apple doesn’t need to complicate matters. A simple implementation into the power button, similar to the iPad, would suffice.
Apple devices are celebrated for their seamless interoperability, and I hope this major exception can be resolved soon, allowing Vision Pro and iPhone to complement each other rather than hinder.
Do you believe Apple should reinstate Touch ID on the iPhone? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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