In this guide, we will learn which iPhones have Touch IDs and the brief history of Touch ID sensors used in iPhones, their origin, and their application. Touch ID is a fingerprint recognition feature introduced on the iPhone 5s in 2013.
It allows you to unlock your iPhone, authenticate your access, and purchase in the App Store and iTunes Store. You can also make payments using Apple Pay.
You must place your finger on the circular home button. Touch ID uses a scanner to read the user’s unique fingerprint and match it with the information stored on the device.
This provides an extra level of security and convenience. You do not have to type in the iPhone passcode or password to access the device, make payments, or download apps.
1. Working of iPhone Touch ID Explained
Although Apple introduced the advanced Face ID unlock system with the iPhone X back in 2017, certain iPhone and iPad models still have Touch ID.
The iPhone Touch ID is made of sapphire crystal. It is highly resistant to external dents that could interfere with the fingerprint reader. The user’s finger’s touch impression is securely stored within Apple’s processor.
Apple never stores fingerprint impressions on its servers, making it very secure for users to trust Apple to authenticate their access and make downloads or purchases using Touch ID. IPhones and iPads and certain MacBook laptops also come with Touch ID on their keyboards. They serve the same purpose as the Touch ID on iPhones.
2. What are the Different Versions of iPhone Touch ID?
The technology behind iOS/iPadOS fingerprint sensors has evolved significantly. We see two versions of the iPhone Touch ID.
2.1 First-generation Touch ID
It was released with the iPhone 5s in 2013. The sensor is also present on earlier iPhone models, such as the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE (first generation), and iPhone 7 Series.
2.2 Second-generation Touch ID
The second generation Touch ID was implemented on iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, released in 2017. Later in 2020, the iPhone SE 2nd Generation and the iPhone SE 3rd Generation (released in 2022) also use the second generation Touch ID.
It is much faster and more accurate in sensing the user’s fingerprint impression, enabling a more responsive and seamless user experience.
3. Which iPhones Have Touch IDs?
Here are the various iPhone models and iPad models that use fingerprint-sensing technology.
3.1 iPhones Using 1st-Gen Touch ID
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
- iPhone SE (1st Gen)
3.2 iPhones Using 2nd-Gen Fingerprint Sensor
- iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone SE (2020/2nd Gen)
3.3 iPads Using 1st-Gen Touch ID
- iPad mini 3
- iPad mini 4
- iPad Pro 12.9 inch (released 2015)
- iPad Pro 9.7 inch (released 2016)
- iPad (released 2017)
- iPad (released 2018)
- iPad (released 2019)
- iPad (released 2020)
- iPad Air 2
3.4 iPads Using 2nd-Gen Touch Sensor
- iPad Pro 12.9 inch (2017)
- iPad Pro 10.5inch (2017)
- iPad mini (release 2019)
- iPad Air 2
- iPad Air (2019)
Note: The iPad Air (2020) has Touch ID technology ingrained in its power button. There is no home button on the center of the front bottom panel of the iPad like you would find on all other iPhones and iPads.
4. Macs Using Touch ID
The article would be incomplete if we did not mention the MacBook computer models that use the Touch ID technology. All MacBook Pro 13-inch/14-inch/16-inch models currently come with the Touch ID on their keyboard. Also, the MacBook Air 2018 model and all the later units of MacBook Air come loaded with the Touch ID.
Wrapping Up
That’s the end of the guide about which iPhones have a fingerprint sensor. We also know which of Apple’s latest and discontinued iPad models and MacBook laptops come with Touch ID.
Access, security, data privacy, and purchase authentication are managed using a single-finger impression on your iPhone/iPad/Mac. Amazing, isn’t it?
