Apple tipped to ‘kill off’ beloved iPhone feature forever – but fans say they miss it already

A BELOVED Apple feature that had been rumoured to make a return has likely already been sent to the tech graveyard, a new leak claims.

iPhone fans have been hooked on Touch ID since it first launched in 2013, and there was murmurings of a comeback with the iPhone 15 and 16.

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It was obviously absent from the iPhone 15 design, having been replaced by the allegedly superior Face ID in 2017.

But still, fans held out hope that Touch ID would be introduced in side-button form alongside Face ID with the upcoming iPhone 16, due to launch next year.

A report from a fairly reliable Weibo Apple leaker, picked up by MacRumours, has since squashed those dreams.

According to the report, the equipment used to manufacture the chips that make Touch ID work have been "permanently shut down".

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The remaining units are reportedly being left aside for the iPhone SE third generation, which is still on sale.

This will not affect iPads.

As the report notes, iPad Touch ID requires a different type of chip.

The chasm Touch ID left behind once it was replaced by Face ID was only truly felt during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, when mask wearing was mandatory.

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iPhone owners were forced to pull their masks down to unlock their handsets, up until Apple rolled out a fix for this - which also meant glasses-wearers could keep their specs on while opening up their phone.

So, it's safe to say the feature is sorely missed - as made clear by iPhone owners opinions on X (formerly Twitter).

"Hate having to look at my phone and pick it up to unlock it," one iPhone owner wrote.

"Also despite the passage of time Face ID seems about the same as it did on the iPhone X."

Another tweeted: "Face ID doesn't work properly. I really need touch ID back."

Although, others say "Face ID is better in every aspect" and will never look back - only forwards.