Touch ID is the iPhone Duo's most divisive feature. Reviews published ahead of Friday's launch return again and again to what several reviewers describe as a step back from Face ID.
According to MacRumors, which rounded up the verdicts, Marques Brownlee said Apple adds a deliberate pause to every Touch ID unlock. He could not find a setting to remove it and expects Face ID to be the feature people miss most. Engadget also found unlocking slower than expected. Apple told the outlet the pause makes the experience consistent across devices and leaves time for notifications to appear.
Joanna Stern said she was still fumbling unlocks after a week, even with five fingers registered. Arun Maini, who runs the Mrwhosetheboss channel, said holding a finger on the sensor rather than tapping it adds small but constant friction. He also reported trouble after washing his hands or with greasy fingers, and found the sensor comfortable to use mainly in landscape.
PetaPixel called the choice of Touch ID over Face ID a mistake. Its reviewer said accidental presses while picking up the phone trigger an error haptic, which buzzed constantly. Unlocking with an Apple Watch was faster and reduced the friction, the outlet found. Brian Tong likewise called Touch ID a step back and suggested buyers pair the phone with an Apple Watch. Gizmodo's Raymond Wong missed Face ID whenever he lifted the phone from a desk or pocket, found authenticating Apple Pay without looking hard to get used to, and noted that winter gloves have to come off to unlock.
Not every reviewer was as critical. The Verge said a week was enough to adjust and that Touch ID is mostly painless once you remember to use it. 9to5Mac called Touch ID the device's biggest tradeoff but said it works quickly and reliably.
The mixed reception is notable because the iPhone Duo is due to go on sale on October 23. Buyers who rely on hands-free unlocking may want to weigh these accounts, though impressions of a fingerprint sensor depend heavily on habit, hand condition and how the phone is held. Apple has not announced any change to the unlock behavior beyond its explanation to Engadget.
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