Apple has been using fingerprint recognition technology since 2013 with the iPhone 5S, a technology known as TouchID and invented by Apple's vice president, Steve Hotelling. However, by 2017, Apple introduced FaceID, replacing TouchID with face recognition technology, not only on iPhones, but also on iPads, Macs and other products. **According to the report, Apple will completely abandon TouchID technology, and even the lowest-end products will be replaced with FaceID. Even the factory that produces TouchID chips for Apple has been shut down, which means that Apple no longer uses TouchID. At the same time, it was recently reported that Steve Hautling is leaving his post and will no longer work for Apple. As for the specific reason, some people say that he has reached retirement age, and others say that he was completely abandoned by Apple because of Touchid. Although Hotling later worked on interfaces such as Faceid, he felt marginalized due to Apple's growing inclination towards visual solutions, and left his job. Some people think that this is a manifestation of Apple's unloading and killing donkeys, but whatever the reason, it means that Apple has completely severed its relationship with TouchID, and no longer waits for Apple to launch a new fingerprint recognition technology, and solutions such as under-screen fingerprints and bezel fingerprints have become a thing of the past.
For several years, Apple's fingerprint recognition technology TouchID has been recognized and loved by users. This technology allows users to quickly unlock the device or complete operations such as payment with a simple touch of a finger, which is convenient and efficient. However, as technology continues to advance, Apple has decided to introduce its visual recognition technology, FaceID, into its products as an alternative to TouchID. FaceID uses the Depth Sensing camera to scan the user's facial features for a more accurate and secure unlocking method.
Why have Android phones always used fingerprint recognition technology, while Apple chose FaceID?In addition to the cost and product line unification considerations, there are other factors that affect the different unlocking methods that both parties choose.
1.Cost considerations: Android phones use an open-source operating system, so different manufacturers are free to choose technology and inject their own characteristics. This means that each manufacturer can choose the appropriate unlocking technology on the device according to their own needs, and fingerprint recognition has become a more common choice. Due to cost and technical limitations, it is difficult for Android phones to come standard with FaceID.
2.Ecosystem unity: Apple's iOS system is closed, which means that Apple can control and manage all apps in the ecosystem. Apple can require app developers to support FaceID to achieve a one-size-fits-all effect. However, due to the modification of the Android system based on AOSP, different manufacturers have different standards and technology choices, resulting in the inability to unify the ecosystem. This is also why in the Android system, major manufacturers have adopted different solutions for facial recognition technology, and there is no unified standard.
Fingerprint recognition vs. facial recognition are two different biometric technologies, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. From a user experience and security perspective, there are certain differences between the two.
1.User experience: Fingerprint recognition technology has the advantage of convenience, with a simple touch of a finger, you can quickly unlock the device or verify the payment. However, fingerprint recognition technology has certain requirements for the state of the finger, and if the finger is wet or has a wound, it may cause the fingerprint recognition to fail. Facial recognition technology, on the other hand, does not require users to perform specific operations, and only normal facial recognition is required to complete the unlocking, which is more convenient to use.
2.Security: From a security perspective, facial recognition technology is relatively more secure. Facial recognition is the scanning of a user's facial features through a depth-sensing camera, which involves more complex and detailed data. In contrast, fingerprint recognition technology only needs to obtain the user's fingerprint information, which is relatively easier to steal or forge.
Apple's decision to abandon fingerprint recognition technology and adopt facial recognition technology represents Apple's pursuit of new technology and innovative spirit. While fingerprint recognition technology has been widely used and recognized in the past few years, Apple believes that facial recognition technology is more accurate and secure, and can provide a better user experience. This is also in line with Apple's consistent user experience-centric product philosophy. For consumers, whether it is fingerprint recognition or facial recognition, it is the convenience and security brought to us by technology, and you can choose the unlocking method that suits you.