iPhone 13 models ‘probably’ have Touch ID below the screen

According to Barclays analyst Andrew Gardiner and three of his colleagues, iPhone 13 models released later this year will “likely” include a fingerprint scanner built into the screen for authentication in addition to Face ID.

In a research note shared with MacRumors today, the analysts added that iPhone 13 models will have a smaller notch and that the LiDAR scanner will be limited to iPhone 13 Pro models this year, in line with information shared by the well-known Apple analyst Ming -Chi Kuo earlier this month. Barclays said his research is based at least in part on “extensive industry discussions” with suppliers in recent weeks.

The analysts believe that a smaller notch on iPhone 13 models will be the result of a ‘more tightly integrated version of the current structured light system’ for Face ID, adding that there is likely to be a ‘larger shift’ in 2022 , with Apple apparently aiming to use a time-of-flight architecture for Face ID that allows for an “even smaller footprint.” This is in line with Kuo’s prediction that at least some iPhones could have a perforated screen by 2022, with only a small hole visible on the screen, like many of Samsung’s recent smartphones.

Here is the excerpt from the research note, with emphasis added:

For the upcoming iPhone 13 cycle in 2H21, we foresee a more integrated version of the existing structured lighting system, which will enable the long-awaited reduction of the notch. On the back, we don’t expect Apple to expand acceptance of the Lidar 3D sensor beyond the Pro models.

For the 2H22 product cycle, we expect an architectural shift from structured light to flight time, enabling an even smaller footprint. Based on our conversations in the industry, we don’t think that structured light under the screen in 2H22 is likely to be ready for massive deployment. We are also seeing the adoption of fingerprint-under-glass, which is likely to be added in the 2H21 iPhones, as a structural headwind to additional 3D detection equipment at Apple and could be the security feature of the future.

The return of Touch ID with a fingerprint scanner under the display has already been done several times. In August 2019, Kuo said Apple planned to launch an iPhone equipped with both Face ID and an under-screen fingerprint scanner in 2021, but in his research note earlier this month, he didn’t mention this feature for iPhone 13 models.

Bloombergis Mark Gurman and The Wall Street JournalJoanna Stern has also claimed that Apple is testing at least an under-screen fingerprint scanner for iPhone 13 models, so time will tell if the feature is worth it.

Barclays analysts were the first to claim that Apple planned to stop including a charger with iPhones. In the past, they’ve also accurately revealed that True Tone is coming to the iPhone 8 and iPhone X, the removal of the headphone jack on iPhone XS and iPhone XR models, and the removal of 3D Touch on all iPhone 11 models.