Yes, some iPhone models have fingerprint sensors.
iPhones have used fingerprint technology, primarily through Touch ID, as a biometric authentication method. Here's a breakdown:
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Touch ID: This feature, using a fingerprint sensor, was introduced with the iPhone 5s and was included in subsequent models up to the iPhone 8, iPhone SE (2nd generation), and iPhone SE (3rd generation). It allowed users to unlock their phones, authenticate purchases, and access secure apps.
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Functionality of Touch ID:
- Unlocking: Users could unlock their iPhones by placing their finger on the Home button (on models with a Home button).
- Apple Pay: Touch ID enabled secure Apple Pay transactions.
- App Authentication: It could be used to authenticate within apps, replacing passwords.
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Transition to Face ID: Starting with the iPhone X, Apple transitioned to Face ID, a facial recognition system, as the primary biometric authentication method. Newer iPhones, such as the iPhone XS, iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and iPhone 15 series, utilize Face ID instead of Touch ID.
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Current Status: Currently, the iPhone SE (3rd generation) is the only iPhone model being sold new that includes Touch ID. Other models rely on Face ID.
In summary, while many older iPhone models have fingerprint sensors (Touch ID), the newer flagship models primarily use facial recognition (Face ID). The iPhone SE models are the exception, still offering Touch ID.