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Apple may launch iPhone with Touch ID under the screen in China

Apple may launch iPhone with Touch ID under the screen in China

Unlike 2017, when Apple launched the iPhone X with Face ID and the 8/8 Plus models with Touch ID, in 2018 the company introduced a line of devices (XS, XS Max and XR) equipped exclusively with its recognition technology facial.

Although this might suggest the domination of Face ID, a new article from Global Times indicates that Apple may adopt Touch ID again on future iPhones, but perhaps only on devices that will be sold in China.

According to the newspaper, Apple is expected to launch a special version of the iPhone exclusively there to try to reverse the decline in sales (and its profit) in the Chinese market, which were exacerbated by the pressures of the long trade war between the United States and the China.

There is, however, a catch: the Touch ID technology would not be exactly the same as that present in iPhones 8/8 Plus or earlier; in reality, Apple would follow some old rumors about implementing the fingerprint reader under the gadget, in an integrated way – Apple even registered a technology for this.

Until two years ago, this rumor was denied by Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineering, Dan Riccio, but perhaps the company has decided to revive the idea.

The biggest reason for this replacement and new adoption of Touch ID is, according to sources in Apple’s supply chain, “reduce costs”. According to a representative of a Chinese automaker, a structured infrared light emitter (the main component of Face ID) costs hundreds of yuan (Chinese currency), reducing Apple’s profit margin.

As highlighted by 9to5Mac, if the purpose of removing Face ID is precisely to reduce production costs – therefore, the sale price of the device – it also seems contradictory that the replacement is made by an advanced technology of Touch ID that goes under the iPhone display (the which certainly must be very expensive).

Real or not, the fact is that such a device should not be launched this year, according to analysts; the main one (with a higher hit rate when we are talking about forecasts involving Apple), Ming-Chi Kuo, said this year’s iPhones will feature Face ID and an improved front camera. Another big change in the next devices will probably be in the camera, which should have up to three lenses and a slightly larger square design.