Apple may replace Touch ID with 3D face scanning on the next iPhone

The latest rumor for Apple’s next iPhone comes from JPMorgan analyst Rod Hall who claims that Apple will be adding a front-facing 3D laser scanner for facial recognition to unlock the device, as noted by MacRumors.

Hall claims that the 3D face scans will replace the fingerprint-based Touch ID system, which has been a part of Apple’s iOS platform since the release of the iPhone 5S in 2013. According to Hall, the new scanner is being added as Apple removes to home button for a new edge-to-edge 5.8-inch display, which falls in line with other rumors from earlier this week. The new face scanner would also alleviate issues with Touch ID that occur when the sensor fails function properly when wet, as well as allow for future iPhones to theoretically be unlocked while wearing gloves.

Apple was also recently granted a patent that would allow Touch ID to function through a screen, so it’s possible the company is still exploring multiple options for security on future iPhone devices.