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Apple's 2021 iPhones will feature in-display Touch ID, analyst says

The updated fingerprint recognition system will work in tandem with Face ID, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

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The iPhones of 2021 might restore Touch ID.

Angela Lang/CNET

Apple will bring back Touch ID for its 2021 iPhones, using an in-display fingerprint sensor, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said. It'll work with the current Face ID facial recognition in a combined biometric security system, 9to5Mac reported Monday.

The Cupertino, California-based company is likely to figure out technical problems it's been having with the in-display components in the next 18 months, according to Kuo. Apple has apparently been struggling with the power consumption, the sensing area's small size, the thickness of sensing modules and production issues.

Recent patent filings have also suggested that Touch ID will return -- the feature was last seen on 2017's iPhone 8.

Apple didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

First published at 5:20 a.m. PT.
Updated at 5:40 a.m. PT: Adds more detail.