iPhone may get health features abandoned by Samsung

The future of biometric authentication on Apple's iPhones is uncertain. Two main theories on how biometric authentication will change on iPhones exist, and both involve Samsung-inspired technologies. One claims that future iPhones will hide the Face ID module behind the screen using a technology similar to Samsung's Under-Panel Camera. Another theory suggests that Apple may bring back Touch ID fingerprint recognition, only it will be more advanced and borrow health features abandoned by Samsung years ago.

According to new reports, Apple will use both technologies for different iPhone models (via Gearrice). Specifically, the under-display Face ID cameras will be released in 2025, whereas the under-display Touch ID sensor will debut a couple of years later once Apple ditches the notch and adopts a full-screen design — possibly using Samsung's upcoming OLED 2.0 technology, which will support full-screen multi-touch fingerprint sensors.

Apple's new Touch ID to borrow health features Samsung abandoned

The latest rumor claims Apple will elevate its future under-display Touch ID fingerprint sensor for iPhones by giving it health features. This next-gen Touch ID sensor will supposedly be capable of measuring the user's heart rate and blood oxygen level, similar to how Samsung's older Galaxy flagships did it through separate rear-facing health sensors near the camera.

Apple would supposedly embed these sensors into its Touch ID unit, but still, it sounds like the company might borrow a page from Samsung's playbook and start using a few features that Samsung itself abandoned years ago. Whether or not this would persuade Samsung to bring back these health features to Galaxy smartphones remains to be seen. Either way, Apple gaining inspiration from rivals and improving existing technologies for use in its iPhones sounds right up its alley

The Galaxy S10, released in February 2019, was the last Samsung smartphone to feature a built-in heart rate and SpO2 sensor. Samsung abandoned these features six months later when it released the Galaxy Note 10 duo in August. And since then, the Galaxy Note 10 series got canceled and replaced by the “Ultra” Galaxy S flagship models. Now, Samsung reserves August Unpacked events for Galaxy foldable phones, which the company believes are the future of mobile.

Mihai Matei - Senior Editor

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First Samsung device: SGH-A800

Mihai is a blogger and column writer at SamMobile. His first Samsung phone was an A800 which took a lot of beating, and a part of him still misses the novelty of the clamshell design. In his free time, he enjoys watching shows, documentaries, and stand-up comedy; listening to music, taking walks, and occasionally playing old(er) video games.

Phone Apple Galaxy S10 OLED 2.0 Samsung Electronics