Touch ID for iPhones largely transitioned to Face ID starting with the iPhone X in 2017. However, it did not completely "go away" until February 2025, when Apple discontinued the 3rd-generation iPhone SE, which was the last iPhone model to feature a home button with Touch ID.
The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, released alongside the iPhone X, were the last flagship iPhone models to feature Touch ID, while the third-generation iPhone SE was the last of any iPhone model to include Touch ID, and it was discontinued in February 2025.
The move away from Touch ID on smartphones is also an attempt to appeal to customers who want more screen space on their devices, technology professionals said. In past phone versions, Apple's Touch ID fingerprint sensor was integrated into a phone's home or power button.
Moisture, lotions, sweat, oils, cuts or dry skin can affect fingerprint recognition, including after activities such as exercising, showering, swimming and cooking. For Touch ID cleaning guidelines, see How to clean your Apple products.
Apple likely to bring back Touch ID with this iPhone in 2026
What makes this interesting is Apple's reported decision to skip Face ID on the foldable iPhone and instead rely on Touch ID built into the side button. The reason, as per the leak, is practical rather than nostalgic.
Yes, an iPhone 18 lineup is expected, but with a split release: the high-end iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are anticipated in Fall 2026 (alongside a new foldable), while the standard iPhone 18 and 18e models are rumored to launch later, in Spring 2027, introducing changes like under-display Face ID and potential AI features.
* Moisture, lotions, sweat, oils, cuts or dry skin may affect fingerprint recognition. Certain activities can also temporarily affect fingerprint recognition, including exercise, showering, swimming, cooking or other conditions or changes that affect your fingerprint.
Touch ID was retained on iPhone 8, iPhone SE (2nd generation and later) and the base model iPads, while all other iPhones since the iPhone X in 2017, and the higher-end iPad Pro have adopted Face ID recognition. Several iPads that do not have Face ID feature a new sleep/wake button with an integrated Touch ID sensor.
Facial scanners are extremely similar to fingerprint door locks, though they're a little less common.
Apple Leak Reports Suggest Touch ID Could Return on First Foldable iPhone. A recurring set of analyst and supply-chain rumors suggests Apple's first foldable iPhone, expected in 2026, may bring Touch ID back to the iPhone lineup in the form of a fingerprint sensor integrated into a side button.
In the same way that Touch ID revolutionized authentication using a fingerprint, Face ID revolutionizes authentication using facial recognition.
Generally speaking, Touch ID may be slightly more secure than Face ID, especially if you are worried about doppelgängers (such as twins and other similar-looking family members) unlocking your mobile devices. Touch ID would be more reliable in such a situation because even identical twins have unique fingerprints.
Apple has killed its TouchID fingerprint scanner in favor of a 3D facial scanning technology called FaceID, which the company says can unlock your phone by scanning your face and provides better security than a fingerprint.
The 5th generation iPod touch features a larger screen identical to that of the iPhone 5, and comes in more colours and is noticeably thinner than previous models. It was originally introduced in October 2012 and is $299 for the 32GB version and $399 for the 64GB version.
An unopened, factory-sealed first-generation iPhone (4GB model from 2007) sold for a record $190,372.80 at auction in July 2023, becoming a highly sought-after collector's item due to its extreme rarity and status as a "Holy Grail" for Apple enthusiasts, far exceeding its original price and previous record sales for the device.
Discover how the iPhone 17 incorporates Touch ID technology! Learn more about the new features of Apple's latest device!
The iPhone 15 has biometric security. It has FaceID, instead of TouchID.
“If you have a mark or cut on your thumb that makes fingerprint analysis and reading difficult, you may have to retire that finger from Touch ID use and instead try one of your other digits,” Caldwell stated. Furthermore, if the finger in question is wet then a clear read can also be difficult to obtain.
An iPad Air generally lasts 4 to 8 years, with its physical function often outlasting its software support; expect about 5-7 years of major iPadOS updates, after which performance might slow or apps stop updating, though the device itself remains usable, especially with battery replacement and good care, with newer models with M-series chips potentially lasting even longer.
You can add up to three fingerprints to your user account (you can save up to five fingerprints on your Mac). Choose how you want to use Touch ID: Unlock your Mac: Use Touch ID to unlock this Mac when you wake it from sleep. Apple Pay: Use Touch ID to complete purchases you make on this Mac using Apple Pay.
While Apple hasn't announced prices, rumors suggest the standard iPhone 18 will stay around $999, but Pro models might increase due to new tech, with Pro Max potentially starting at $1,299-$1,399, and a new foldable model could reach $1,800-$2,500, with costs fluctuating based on storage and features like advanced chips.
On Phonetradr you will get between R7,765 - R15,390 for your iPhone XS.