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Apple’s latest release, the iPhone 16e, marks a significant shift in the company’s approach to smartphone biometric security. Launched on the 28th February 2025, the new budget model opts for Face ID over the traditional fingerprint scanning technology, Touch ID. This decision highlights Apple’s emphasis on facial authentication, a move that experts believe is both practical and innovative for users seeking seamless security.
The iPhone 16e is designed for cost conscious consumers, offering enhanced security through facial recognition, which is seen as more convenient and user friendly. Joe Palmer, Chief Innovation Officer at iProov, praised Face ID as the most effortless form of authentication, noting that unlocking a phone multiple times a day with a simple glance adds up in efficiency. “If you think about how many times you unlock a phone in a day, even if it takes you a second and you’re unlocking the phone 100 times a day, it adds up,” Palmer said. “I don’t think we’re going to see an evolution beyond face anytime soon.”
Despite this shift, the future of fingerprint technology is far from over. Experts suggest that Apple may reintroduce fingerprint scanning, potentially through an under-display version, as patents for such technology remain active. With this, Apple could bring back Touch ID in future devices, blending both fingerprint and facial recognition technologies in their offerings.
By Ruvarashe Gora
“It’s the balance between security, convenience, and the cost,” said Palmer, explaining how Apple’s focus on Face ID aligns with its goal of offering a cleaner, edge to edge screen experience. Without the need for a physical fingerprint sensor, the design of the iPhone 16e continues the trend of maximizing screen space, following the removal of home buttons in previous models. This change is also a response to consumer demand for a larger, more immersive display.
While Apple’s move prioritizes facial authentication, fingerprint sensors are still a staple on many Android devices, offering a cost effective alternative. Experts like Jean Fang of Fime believe that fingerprint technology will remain widely used for years to come, especially on budget friendly devices. “Fingerprint scanning is more cost-effective than other options such as iris or palm scans,” Fang explained.
In the evolving world of biometric security, both Face ID and fingerprint scanning have their advantages and limitations. Despite the growing popularity of facial recognition, concerns over security, especially with the rise of deepfake technology remain. “It can be a good feature for some lower-risk cases, but not all cases,” Fang cautioned. Nonetheless, both methods are expected to remain at the forefront of smartphone security for the foreseeable future, balancing convenience, cost, and reliability.
As the smartphone market continues to evolve, the future may see a return to hybrid models that combine both biometric technologies, giving consumers more options to choose from.
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