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jeudi 31 mars 2022

These are the Best iPhone SE 3 Cases to buy in 2022

Apple recently gave its budget-friendly iPhone, the iPhone SE, a minor refresh. The latest model in the SE lineup features the same dated design as its predecessor, but it packs a couple of significant improvements on the inside. The iPhone SE 3 packs Apple’s flagship A15 Bionic chip, which is a huge step up from the A13 on the older model. In addition, it comes with a couple of connectivity improvements, including 5G and Wi-Fi 6 support.

For a starting price of $429, the new iPhone SE 3 is a decent pick for those who want a compact iPhone that offers great performance at an affordable price. So, if you’ve been planning to get one for yourself, make sure you order a case and screen protector as well. That’s because the iPhone SE 3 features glass on both the front and back, which is susceptible to scratches and dings in day-to-day use. A durable case and screen protector will go a long way in keeping your iPhone looking new for a long time. If you’re not sure which one to order, here are our top picks for the best iPhone SE 3 cases you can get right now.

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Official Cases

Since the iPhone SE 3 is identical to its predecessor on the outside, it perfectly fits in all the cases designed for the older model. Apple offers two official cases for the iPhone SE 3, with both featuring a minimal look and precise cutouts for all the buttons and ports.

    iPhone SE Leather Case

    Premium leather finish

    The iPhone SE Leather Case has a minimal design and offers a premium leather finish, precise cutouts, and an embossed Apple logo on the back. It’s available in three colors – Product Red, Black, and Midnight Blue.
    iPhone SE Silicone Case

    Durable silicone case

    The iPhone SE Silicone case features the same design as the leather case with precise cutouts, a smooth finish, and a printed Apple logo on the back. It’s available in four colors – Product Red, Chalk Pink, Abyss Blue, and Midnight.

Although Apple doesn’t offer any other first-party cases for the iPhone SE 3, there are plenty of third-party options available on Amazon. Check out the sections below for some great third-party alternatives.

Clear Cases

Clear cases are great picks for those who want to show off the original color of their smartphone without compromising on protection. Since the iPhone SE 3 is available in a couple of cool colors, you can consider getting one of these clear cases for it.

    Spigen Ultra Hybrid

    Anti-yellowing back

    The Spigen Ultra Hybrid clear case for the iPhone SE 3 features an anti-yellowing polycarbonate back.
    ESR Air Armor

    Military-grade drop protection

    The ESR Air Armor clear case for the iPhone SE 3 features a unique design with air pockets in the corners for military-grade drop protection.
    Spigen Liquid Crystal

    Slim clear case

    Looking for a slim case that's also clear? The Spigen Liquid Crystal case offers the best of both worlds.
    ESR Clear Silicone

    Cheap clear case

    Save a few bucks and get this basic clear silicone case from ESR for your new iPhone SE 3.

Thin Cases

The following options are for those who don’t like to use a case on their smartphone because of the added bulk. These thin cases provide basic scratch protection without making the phone uncomfortable to hold.

    TORRAS Slim Fit

    Super slim

    This slim fit case for the iPhone SE 3 features a raised bezel around the camera and display to protect them from scratches.
    Spigen Liquid Air Armor

    Comfortable grip

    Spigen's Liquid Air Armor case for the iPhone SE 3 has a slim profile and a textured back for a comfortable grip.
    Torras Shockproof slim fit

    Extra drop protection

    This variant of Torras' slim fit case has a silicone bumper for extra drop protection.

Rugged Cases

Do you tend to drop your phone more often than you’d like? You should probably invest in a rugged case for your iPhone SE 3. The following options provide enough drop protection to keep your phone looking as good as new even after several drops.

    Temdan rugged case

    Minimal design

    If you're not fond of rugged cases that have a rugged design, this case from Temdan could be a great pick for you.
    Driverbox rugged case

    Minimal alternative

    This iPhone SE 3 rugged case from Driverbox also features a minimal design with a plain back and plenty of protection.
    Sportlink waterproof rugged case

    Waterproof

    This rugged iPhone SE 3 case from Sportlink is IP68 certified, meaning that it will protect your phone from water damage.
    Otterbox Commuter

    Premium rugged case

    The Otterbox Commuter series case for the iPhone SE 3 is the most premium rugged case you can buy for your new phone.
    Supcase Unicorn Beetle

    Built-in screen protector

    The Supcase Unicorn Beetle case for the iPhone SE 3 is a great rugged case that comes with a built-in screen protector.

    Promoted

    Spigen Tough Armor

    MIL-STD 810G protection

    The Spigen Tough Armor case for the iPhone SE 3 offers MIL-STD 810G protection and a built-in kickstand.

Kickstand Cases

Do you often use your iPhone to watch movies or TV shows? You should get one of these kickstand cases for your iPhone SE 3 for a more comfortable viewing experience.

    Poetic Revolution

    Dual-layer design

    This rugged iPhone SE 3 case from Poetic has a dual-layer design for maximum protection, along with a built-in kickstand and screen protector.
    VEGO Kickstand Case

    Magnetic kickstand

    This rugged case for the iPhone SE 3 features a dual purpose kickstand that you can use to prop up your phone or mount it magnetically in your car.
    Silicone kickstand case

    Minimal design

    This silicone kickstand case for the iPhone SE 3 features a minimal design and it's available in nine cool colors.
    ESR kickstand case

    Clear kickstand case

    The ESR kickstand case for the iPhone SE 3 features a clear back plate that doesn't cover up your phone's gorgeous color.

Wallet Cases

For those who want a case that doubles up as a wallet to hold a few cards and spare cash, check out the following wallet cases for the iPhone SE 3.

    Vakoo wallet case

    RFID blocking

    This folio-style wallet case has room for two cards and some spare cash, along with an RFID blocking layer.
    Belemay wallet case

    Genuine leather

    This premium wallet case for the iPhone SE 3 is made of genuine leather and has enough room to hold three cards and some cash.
    Shieldon Wallet case

    Dual purpose

    The Shieldon wallet case features a dual purpose design that lets you use the folio cover as a kickstand.
    Smartish wallet case

    Unique design

    This cool-looking wallet case from Smartish features a unique design with a built-in pocket for three cards on the back.

Stylish Cases

This category is for those who want to add a dash of style or color to their smartphones with a stylish case. Check out the following options to jazz up your new iPhone SE 3.

    Caseology Parralax

    Stylish and rugged

    This cool-looking iPhone SE 3 case from Caseology features a geometric print at the back that gives it a unique appeal.
    i-Blason Cosmo

    Unique look

    Give your new iPhone SE 3 a unique look with this dual-layer protective case from iBlason.

    Promoted

    DTTO Silicone case

    Minimal

    Match your phone with your outfit with the DTTO Silicone case which is available in 24 color options.
    Tendlin Leather case

    Leather finish

    Tendlin's hybrid leather and TPU case offers an ample amount of protection and a premium finish.

Leather cases

Do you want your iPhone SE 3 to look more stylish and luxurious, while protecting it against potential accidents? Leather cases are the answer. They shield the affordable phone in addition to providing it with a more premium look.

    TORRO Genuine Leather Case with Card Slots

    360º Protection

    This 360º leather case offers a kickstand mode and card pockets. It's a mix that provides protection, extra functionality, and style. It's perfect for those who watch a lot of videos on their iPhones.
    SUPCASE Unicorn Beetle Royal Series

    Rugged

    This rugged case has a built-in screen protector and a leather back. It's ideal for rough environments.

    Promoted

    Bocasal Genuine Leather Wallet Case

    Kickstand

    Available in four colors to pick from, this case includes a strap, has pockets for cash and cards, and offers a kickstand mode. It's the ultimate 360º leather case.

That rounds up our list of the best iPhone SE 3 cases that you can get right now. Pick the one that’s best suited for your requirements, whether it’s all-around protection, storage, or a unique look. If you still haven’t ordered the device yet, you can click on the link below to order the iPhone SE 3 right now!

    iPhone SE 3 (2022)
    Although Apple claims that the new iPhone SE 3 features the most durable glass on a smartphone, you should probably get a case for it anyway.

Which one of these iPhone SE 3 cases fulfills your requirements? Let us know in the comments section below.

The post These are the Best iPhone SE 3 Cases to buy in 2022 appeared first on xda-developers.



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Dell introduces the Precision 5470, its most powerful 14-inch workstation

Dell has announced a refresh of its Precision lineup of mobile workstations, including the new Precision 5470, which the company calls the “smallest, thinnest, and most powerful” 14-inch workstation in the world. It also introduced the Dell Precision 5570 and 5770, along with the Precision 3570 and 3571. These are all powered by Intel’s 12th-generation processors and professional NVIDIA graphics. Alongside these laptops, Dell also introduced the new Latitude lineup for business users.

Dell Precision laptops

The star of the show is the Dell Precision 5470, which is a brand new addition to Dell’s lineup. It comes with Intel’s 12th-generation H-series Core processors and it’s the first one of its kind to meet the Intel Evo spec while also supporting Intel vPro. Additionally, you can configure it with up to an NVIDIA RTX A1000 GPU, one of the new mobile GPUs introduced earlier this month. Plus, you get up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM and 4TB of storage built in. The two larger models, the Dell Precision 5570 and 5770, come with even more powerful GPUs – up to an NVIDIA RTX A2000 8GB on the Precision 5570 or an RTX A3000 12GB on the 5770.

Front view of the Dell Precision 5470

Dell Precision 5470

To keep all of this running cool, Dell designed a new cooling system that still fits in a relatively compact chassis, with dual opposite outlet fans and a bonded hinge architecture that improves air exhaust. The Dell Latitude 5470 starts at just 3.26lbs, which is impressively light for a workstation. The Precision 5570 and 5770 are also Dell’s lightest workstations in their respective sizes.

For the display, all three laptops have an InfinityEdge panel with a 16:10 aspect ratio. The Dell Precision 5470 has Quad HD+ resolution, while the two larger models can be configured with up to an Ultra HD+ panel. They also cover 100% of Adobe RGB and 99% of DCI-P3 color spaces, making them ideal for creative work. Plus, they support Dell’s new intelligent privacy features with onlooker detection, and Dell ExpressSign-In makes it easier to securely unlock the laptop.

Right-angle rear view of Dell Precision 5770

Dell Precision 5770

Turning to the Precision 3000 series, we have the Dell Precision 3571, which is also powered by 12th-generation Intel Core H-series processors and up to an NVIDIA RTX A2000 8GB GPU. It also still comes with up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM and 4TB of storage. The display comes in a more traditional 16:9 aspect ratio and up to Ultra HD resolution. If you want something with better battery life, the precision 3570 comes with Intel’s U15 and P-series processors instead of the H series, and it has optional discrete NVIDIA graphics up to an RTX A500.

All of these laptops will be available in April, and pricing information but pricing information wasn’t mentioned.

Dell UltraSharp monitors

In addition to the new Precision laptops, Dell also introduced a handful of peripherals today, starting with the new UltraSharp monitors. First, there are the new Dell UltraSharp 32 (U3223QE) and 27 (U2723QUE) 4K monitors, which are the world’s first monitors to use the new IPS Black technology. This provides a 2,000:1 contrast ratio, higher than most IPS panels, plus the monitors cover 100% of sRGB and 98% of DCI-P3 for excellent color reproduction. They also meet the VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification. As the names suggest, they support 4K and they have a 16:9 aspect ratio for a total resolution of 3840 x 2160.

Two Dell UltraSharp 32 4K Monitors next to a laptop

Dell UltraSharp 32 4K Monitors

Both monitors support tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments for added convenience and a simplified joystick control on the back. In addition to typical display inputs, including DisplayPort and HDMI, the monitors can connect via USB Type-C, and in addition to the display signal, this connection can carry data and up to 90W of power, keeping your laptop charged. The monitors have four USB Type-A ports, one USB Type-C (downstream) port, and RJ45 Ethernet, all of which connect to your laptop with the all-in-one USB Type-C port.

if you want something a little less conventional, the Dell UltraSharp 30 USB-C Hub Monitor (U3023E) may be for you. This is a 30-inch monitor with a roughly 16:10 aspect ratio and WQXGA (2560 x 1660) resolution, making it more suited for productivity work. Color-wise, it still covers 100% of sRGB and 95% of DCI-P3, so it’s going to look great. The monitor stand also supports all the same adjustments as the two monitors above, and it has a similar setup of ports, which can be used when you connect to your laptop via USB Type-C. Of course, you still have the option for DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 1.4.

Dell UltraSharp 30 USB-C Hub Monitor

Dell UltraSharp 30 USB-C Hub Monitor

All of these monitors are available today. The Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Monitor starts at $724.99, while the 32-inch variant starts at $1,149.99. The Dell UltraSharp 30 USB-C Hub Monitor starts at $1,049.99.

Dell peripherals

Beyond all of this, Dell also introduced a bunch of smaller peripherals. First, there’s the Dell Dual Charge Dock (HD22Q), a USB-C docking station for your laptop that also supports 12W Qi wireless charging for your smartphone (plus 90W power delivery to the laptop itself). It has DisplayPort, HDMI, four USB Type-A ports, and a USB Type-C port to connect other peripherals to the laptop. It’ll launch on May 12th for $368.99.

Dell Dual Charge Dock

Then, the new Dell Universal Dock (UD22) comes with four USB Type-A ports, two USB Type-C ports, and four video output ports so you can connect up to four displays. Plus, it supports up to 96W of power delivery. It’s also available today for $459.99.

Finally, the latest Dell Thunderbolt Dock (WD22TB4) comes with two DisplayPort connections (plus a USB-C port with a DP signal), HDMI, three USB Type-A ports, one USB Type-C port for data, RJ45 Ethernet, and two Thunderbolt 4 downstream ports. It supports up to 150W of power delivery to Dell commercial laptops, or 90W for other systems. It will launch sometime in the second quarter and cost $469.99.

For conference rooms, Dell announced the Slim Conferencing Soundbar (SB522A) and the Dell Speakerphone (SP3022), both certified for Microsoft Teams. They have a Teams button to access notifications and meetings, plus they use LED lights to show things such as whether there’s an ongoing call, the microphone is muted, and so on. Plus, they both use AI to reduce background noise and make voices clearer. The Dell Slim Conferencing Soundbar is available today for $79.99, while the Dell Speakerphone costs $99.99.

Dell Speakerphone SP3022

Finally, Dell also introduced the latest version of the Dell premier Rechargeable Active Pen (PN7522W). This new active pen promises a battery life of up to 40 days on a charge, it supports 4,096 levels of pressure, and it has three programmable buttons, one on the top and two on the side. It supports Bluetooth connectivity for quick shortcuts on Windows, and it’s the first active pen in the world to feature Tile integration. This makes it so that you can easily find the pen even if you left it behind somewhere far away. It’s available today for $109.99.

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Dell has a new Latitude that weighs under a kilogram and blurs the screen if someone looks over your shoulder

Today, Dell is announcing new Latitude laptops across its whole portfolio, including the 3000, 5000, 7000, and 9000 series. There’s a new ultralight version of the Latitude 7330 that comes in at under a kilogram, a new design for the flagship Latitude 9430, and more. And of course, there are new Dell Optimizer features.

“Hybrid work is no longer an afterthought or a privilege, it is the standard,” says Ed Ward, president, Client Product Group, Dell Technologies. “While employees are moving between locations to get work done, creating a productive experience is the priority. Our latest commercial portfolio continues to put collaboration, intelligence and security at the forefront, with increased investments that meet the diverse needs of people both today and in the future.”

New features coming to Dell Optimizer

Dell Optimizer is an application that contains a suite of AI features for Latitude products, although it’s coming to Precision workstations as well. It’s the key thing that separates Dell’s commercial PCs from the competition. One of the key features you’ll find is ExpressSign-in. It uses sensors to detect when you’re in front of it, waking it up, and then the IR camera logs you in with facial recognition, letting you wake and log onto your PC without ever touching it. That’s just one of the features, and there’s a lot that’s new.

Press image showing Dell Optimizer

Dell Optimizer

For one thing, Dell Optimizer 3.0 will have Intelligent Privacy features. For example, if it detects someone looking over your shoulder, it will blur the screen. The user can also be alerted to the person that’s trying to see what you’re working on.

Also included is better noise cancelation. Now only will noise cancelation work with your microphone, but it can work for incoming noise as well. That way, when someone you’re talking to apologizes for that dog barking, you can say you didn’t even hear it.

Finally, there are connectivity features. It lets you combine your wired and wireless networks, and it’s smart about it. Dell is promising up to 30% lower latency.

What’s cool is that a lot of these features are going to ship to existing devices as well. The only ones that won’t are the ones that require new hardware. The idea is to show that if you buy a Latitude, it does gain features over time.

New Dell Latitude hardware

Dell Latitude 9430

Coming in both clamshell and 2-in-1 configurations, the Dell Latitude 9430 is the flagship of the lineup. This 14-inch laptop is aimed at competing with the HP EliteBook 1000 series and the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 series. While there were some FHD webcams available with the previous generation, it’s standard now, as is a 16:10 display, which is offered in FHD+ and QHD+ options.

Angled view of Dell Latitude 9430

Dell Latitude 9430

It comes with Intel’s new 12th-gen U-series processors, and there’s a new metallic graphite colorway. It’s a nice look compared to its previous brushed aluminum finish. Once again, it’s offered with 5G connectivity, one of the key value indicators of the original Dell Latitude 9000 laptops, along with long battery life.

The Dell Latitude 9430 is coming in April, starting at $2,245.

Dell Latitude 7000 series, including the new Latitude 7330 Ultralight

The Dell Latitude 7330 is already pretty light with its carbon fiber finish, but now there’s an Ultralight model that weighs in at under a kilogram. Indeed, it weighs just 2.13 pounds, making it the smallest and lightest 13.3-inch 16:9 premium commercial laptop. It doesn’t compromise on ports either, packing dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, HDMI 2.0, a headphone jack, and more. Aside from the magnesium alloy materials that bring the weight down, it’s pretty much a Latitude 7330.

Angled view of Dell laptop

Dell Latitude 7330 Ultralight

The entire lineup still has 16:9 displays, and in the Latitude 7330 series, you’ll get Intel Alder Lake U15 processors. With the Latitude 7430 and 7530, which are 14 and 15 inches, respectively, there will be an option for P-series processors, offering more power with a 28W TDP. Naturally, the more powerful chip requires a bit more space in the chassis. Had Dell tried to put it in the 13-inch model, it would have had to shrink down the battery.

Another thing that you won’t find in the 13.3-inch Latitude 7330 is 5G. As always, all Latitude 7000 laptops offer 4G LTE, but you’ll only find 5G in the Latitude 7430.

The Dell Latitude 7330 Ultralight is coming in April, starting at $1,899. The Latitude 7330, 7430, and 7530 are also coming in April, starting at $1,562, $1,419, and $1,442, respectively.

Dell Latitude 5000 series

Dell has a wide range of Latitude 5000 laptops, which are more mainstream. The Latitude 5330, 5430, and 5530 are more productivity-focused with U15 processors and P-series chips in the 15-inch model, but there’s also the more powerful Latitude 5431 and 5531, which have P-series processors and 45W H-series processors, respectively. They’re also all offered with 4G LTE.

Press image of Dell laptop

Dell Latitude 5330

The company is also boasting that the new Latitude 5000 PCs are its most sustainable laptops to date. In fact, they build on its Concept Luna efforts, which were announced at CES.

“Dell’s purpose is to create technology that drives human progress. We’re inspired by the opportunity to change things for the better for our future generations. This is clear in the new ways we’re designing and packaging our products to help reduce environmental impact, waste and emissions,” said Rahul Tikoo, senior vice president, Client Product Group, Dell Technologies. “As we build on our circular leadership, we’re taking this a step further – continually examining, re-examining and reconsidering every step of the product lifecycle to deliver even more sustainable products in the future.”

Dell is promising a laptop lid that’s made up of 71% recyclable and renewable materials, such as tree-based bioplastic upcycled from the paper industry, reclaimed carbon fiber, and post-consumer recycled plastic. The base uses 20% reclaimed carbon fiber, and feet that are made from castor bean oil. In the fan housing, you’ll find 28% ocean-bound plastics. And as you’d hope, packaging is made from 100% recycled or renewable materials.

The Dell Latitude 5330, 5430, and 5530 will arrive in April, starting at $1,562, $1,419, and $1,442, respectively. The Latitude 5431 and 5531 are also coming in April, but the company did not confirm pricing.

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Sony rolls out stable Android 12 update to the Xperia 10 III and Xperia Pro-I

After rolling out Android 12 to the Xperia 1 III, Xperia Pro, and Xperia Pro over the past week, Sony is bringing the latest flavor of Android to two more smartphones. The company has just released Android 12 for the Xperia 10 III and Xperia Pro-I.

The global variant of the Sony Xperia 10 III is picking up the stable Android 12 update. The update carries the build number 62.1.A.0.533 and is currently rolling out in parts of Europe. Among the standard Android 12 stuff, the build also includes February 2022 security patches.

Software version section on Sony Xperia 10 III

Image credit: Reddit user u/dimenfer

Sony has also started rolling out a stable Android update for the Xperia Pro-I, a flagship smartphone aimed at professional photographers and creators. It was launched in October last year and came with Android 11 out-of-the-box. Currently, the Android 12 update is only rolling out to the Japanese model (XQ-BE42). However, we expect global variants to follow suit soon. The update is identified by the build number 61.1.F.2.2 and, among other things, also includes March 2022 security patches.

If you own an Xperia 10 III or Xperia Pro-I, be on the lookout for the OTA notification in the coming days. You can manually check for the update by heading to Settings > Software updates. If you don’t want to wait, you can grab the full firmware package using the XperiFirm tool by XDA Senior Member IgorEisberg. After downloading the package, use Flashtool (GUI) and Newflahser (CUI) to manually flash the firmware on your device.

Android 12 is a massive update, bringing a plethora of features and improvements. After installing the new software, you can look forward to a brand new Material You design, revamped Quick Settings panel, Privacy Dashboard, reworked home screen widgets, camera, and microphone privacy indicators, and so much more.

Have you received the Android 12 update on your Xperia 10 III or Xperia Pro-I? Let us know in the comments below. 

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Apple is working on its own payment processing technology and a “Pay Later” feature

Apple has slowly been trying to dominate more and more fields, as its range of products and services further expands. For example, the company has been replacing Intel processors with its own M1 chips on the Mac lineup — a step closer towards independence. A new report now states that Apple is working on its own payment processing infrastructure. That’s to potentially rely less on relevant partners down the road. The report also mentions that the Cupertino tech giant could be developing a “Buy Now, Pay Later” feature for Apple Pay users. It will reportedly allow eligible users to borrow money from the company and pay them back through installments.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has shared some of Apple’s internal plans in the financial department. The company is seemingly aiming to bring several payment-related tasks in-house — allowing it to rely less on current partners. These tasks could include payment processing, risk assessment for lending, fraud analysis, credit checks and additional customer-service functions such as the handling of disputes.

If these plans come to fruition, eligible users might be able to borrow money from Apple and pay them back through one of the two installment plans. The first — Apple Pay in 4 — will reportedly aim at short-term, interest-free, four-installment plans. The second — Apple Pay Monthly Installments — could be for long-term installment plans with added interest.

Apple’s payment-related plans will likely focus on additional financial services — such as the rumored hardware subscription model — rather than existing ones. For the time being, it’s unlikely for the company to completely drop its partnerships. Instead, it could be aiming at bringing more of its payment services to a wider range of regions. We only hope that this project helps bring Apple Card and Apple Pay to even more countries.

Would you use a Buy Now, Pay Later feature offered by Apple? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments section below.

Source: Bloomberg

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Apple won’t release an under-display Touch ID iPhone anytime soon, even though your sibling can unlock your Face ID iPhone

Apple’s iPhones are great smartphones, and they have been so for a fair few years now. No matter which side of the Android vs iOS debate you stand on, it’s hard not to recognize the iPhone as a piece of tech that everyone in the industry tries to compete against. Anything that Apple does with the iPhone, the smartphone industry mocks for the first year and then shamelessly copies the next year. On the flip side, Apple is very slow to jump on new tech, and Android OEMs usually have features years before the Cupertino-based giant decides to adopt them. One such situation is under-display fingerprint sensors, a tech that Android OEMs have adopted since 2018. If you were waiting for Apple to adopt an in-display fingerprint sensor, you’ll have to wait a few more years, even though Touch ID has plenty of its own issues.

Under-Display Touch ID delayed on iPhone

According to noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, iPhones releasing in 2023 and 2024 will not be adopting under-display Touch ID. Kuo had previously predicted that 2023 could be the year when Apple makes the jump to under-display tech on the iPhone. But this prediction is now being revised, indicating we will have to pass over 3 more generations of iPhones before we have a chance of seeing Touch ID back on them in the form of an under-display solution.

Note that the prediction doesn’t explicitly mention that the iPhone in 2026 will adopt an under-display Touch ID. For one, that is too far out in the future to accurately predict at this stage. And Apple has presented nothing either to indicate that they are interested in bringing back Touch ID at all. This is where the problem arises.

PSA: Face ID on iPhones can evolve to be unlocked by your sibling

When Apple made the jump from Touch ID to Face ID with the iPhone X, a lot was claimed about its superiority. Compared to face unlock as it was present on Android smartphones, Face ID was and remains so much more secure — Android phones simply matched an optical likeness, while Apple does a far more precise 3D scan. The 3D facial scan is very accurate, and Apple claims there is only a 1 in 1,000,000 chance of another random person being able to unlock your iPhone with their face. Compared to the 1 in 50,000 error rate for Touch ID, Face ID does appear to be a far more secure solution.

These claims do come with fine print though, and ones that I feel are not publicized enough. While yes, you can’t trick Face ID by holding up a simple photo, you can beat it with a face that looks very similar to yours. As Apple itself notes in its documentation (emphasis added):

The probability that a random person in the population could look at your iPhone or iPad Pro and unlock it using Face ID is less than 1 in 1,000,000 with a single enrolled appearance whether or not you’re wearing a mask. As an additional protection, Face ID allows only five unsuccessful match attempts before a passcode is required. The statistical probability is higher — and further increased if using Face ID with a mask — for twins and siblings that look like you, and among children under the age of 13, because their distinct facial features may not have fully developed. If you’re concerned about this, we recommend using a passcode to authenticate. You can also use Face ID without enabling Face ID with a mask.

Apple does not quantify this statistical probability. And there’s no way to know if they also account for the fact that these strangers (twins and siblings) are far more likely to be in physical proximity to your iPhone than a random person with a similar fingerprint.

So when I found out that my brother can open my iPhone 13 Pro with just a casual look, I was really (and rightfully) shocked.

My brother is 6 years younger than me, but we do look fairly similar — as siblings often do. We aren’t twins though, and the age difference between us, as well as our personal preferences on hair and facial hair ensures that we definitely don’t look like photocopies of each other at any point. I was under the impression that this would be enough to keep my iPhone locked to me. However, all that my brother needs to do to unlock my iPhone is just look at it. Since we live in the same house (meaning he has plenty of opportunities to physically access my iPhone), the net effect is that my iPhone can be very easily and frequently unlocked by someone who is not me — and that is just insane.

Before you jump angrily to the comments, let me clarify some things. One, my iPhone has only one appearance enrolled in it, and that is mine. There are no alternative appearances enrolled, neither of myself, nor of my brother. I did set up Face ID unlock with Mask, but my brother can unlock my phone with this option disabled too. I do have Apple Watch unlock set up as well, but my brother can again unlock my phone with this option disabled too. No, he does not have my passcode, and he doesn’t even really need it. [I would have presented video proof of this whole charade, but my sibling is not comfortable being recorded for use on the Internet, and so you have to take my word on this sibling-unlocking happening.]

Face ID on iPhone

The only explanation I have been able to find is that this is rather intentional in a way. As mentioned in Apple’s documentation, it is possible to train Face ID to work on faces that bear a close resemblance.

Face ID automatically adapts to changes in your appearance, such as wearing cosmetic makeup or growing facial hair. If there is a more significant change in your appearance, like shaving a full beard, Face ID confirms your identity by using your passcode before it updates your face data.

And further:

This data will be refined and updated as you use Face ID to improve your experience, including when you successfully authenticate. Face ID will also update this data when it detects a close match but a passcode is subsequently entered to unlock the device.

Essentially, if my sibling or any other close resemblance attempts a Face ID unlock unsuccessfully and then I enter the password to open the phone, Face ID will take this as a learning opportunity to update my appearance in its database, merging my stored appearance with this newer appearance. Every unsuccessful Face ID + successful password unlock will train the AI behind Face Unlock to perform better in the future. The caveat then is that this makes it entirely possible that eventually, your iPhone can be opened by your sibling, especially if they have frequent access to your phone, even if such unlock or training is not intentional. So don’t be surprised if one day your sibling can suddenly open your iPhone with their face.

Touch ID > Face ID

Within the context of what I have laid down, I’ve been forced to disable Face ID on my iPhone. I trust my brother to not indulge in my personal data, but I am still extremely uncomfortable with the very idea that he has unlimited access to every single piece of information on my iPhone, including my banking and investment apps.

In a world with Touch ID iPhones, I would have had to worry about a small probability of bumping into a person who has a fingerprint similar enough to mine, who has access to my iPhone and wants to get inside of it. In a world with AI-based Face ID iPhones, there’s an even smaller probability that I come across a stranger who bears my facial resemblance. But what do I do about the sibling who can already unlock my Face ID iPhone?

In my current reality, I wish I could go back to a Touch ID iPhone. There’s no way to disable Face ID from learning and evolving appearances. So even if I do reset my stored appearance, it is only a matter of days and weeks before it matches the two faces again. Apple’s eloquent solution here is to ask users to just disable Face ID completely, and that is what I have done for now. Since I was already used to not being able to easily unlock my iPhone over the past two years because I had a mask on (Apple took its sweet time to roll out Face mask-based unlocking), the inconvenience is rather familiar. A part of me still hoped that a future iPhone flagship could bring back Touch ID. But looks like I will have to wait for a while now.

Until then, I’ll be using my banking apps on my Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra and my other Android devices.

The post Apple won’t release an under-display Touch ID iPhone anytime soon, even though your sibling can unlock your Face ID iPhone appeared first on xda-developers.



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