iPhone Duo Touch ID Delays Frustrate Reviewers Missing Face ID Speed

Media reviewers report that the iPhone Duo fingerprint sensor includes an intentional delay that frustrates users accustomed to the instant unlock speed of facial recognition systems on previous models.

How it unfolded

• Marques Brownlee revealed that Apple programmed a pause into every Touch ID unlock to allow notification viewing.
• Engadget noted the unlocking process takes longer than expected, while Apple stated the pause ensures consistency with Macs and iPads.
• Joanna Stern reported struggling with unlocks even after a week of use, despite registering five fingers on the device.

Who is affected

Users migrating from iPhones with Face ID are experiencing significant friction. Marques Brownlee stated that Face ID would be the primary feature people miss. He described the delay as making the fingerprint reader feel slow, even though the sensor itself is not technically slow. He could not find a setting to disable the pause.

Mrwhosetheboss described the required hold as adding friction 50 times a day. He found the sensor problematic after washing hands or with greasy fingers. He also noted the sensor is only comfortable to use in landscape orientation. Joanna Stern expressed deep longing for Face ID after fumbling with unlocks.

PetaPixel called the choice to use Touch ID a mistake. The outlet reported that accidental presses when picking up the phone trigger haptic error buzzes. PetaPixel said it was buzzing constantly. Brian Tong characterized the fingerprint sensor as a step backward for the user experience.

What happens next

Workarounds are emerging for users seeking faster access. Marques Brownlee suggested waking the device, swiping up, and then touching the sensor for an instant unlock. PetaPixel found that using an Apple Watch to unlock the iPhone Duo was faster than using Touch ID. Having a watch removed much of the friction caused by the fingerprint sensor.

Apple told Engadget that the pause creates a consistent experience across devices. The company stated the delay gives the phone time to wake up and display Lock Screen notifications. This design choice gives the phone time to wake up and display Lock Screen notifications.

The background in plain language

Biometric authentication uses unique physical traits to verify identity. Facial recognition scans face geometry for instant access, while fingerprint sensors read ridge patterns. A deliberate software pause can disrupt the perceived speed of touch-based systems. Teams usually balance security verification with user convenience. Check whether device settings allow adjustments to sensor sensitivity or unlock animations. Consistent behavior across different product lines often requires standardizing interaction timing, even if it feels slower on faster devices.

What to do and how to stay safe: iPhone Duo

• Register multiple fingers to increase the likelihood of successful authentication with one attempt.
• Ensure hands are dry and clean before attempting to unlock the device to improve sensor accuracy.
• Use an paired smartwatch to bypass the fingerprint sensor delay for faster access to the home screen.
• Wake the display and swipe up before touching the sensor to trigger an instant unlock sequence.

Step-by-step guide: Mobile Device Security for Small Business: Control Without Cost

General security guidance from the Circuit Observer newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.

Frequently asked questions

Why does the iPhone Duo Touch ID feel slow?

Apple added an intentional delay to every unlock to allow the screen to wake and display notifications.

Is there a setting to remove the Touch ID delay?

No, reviewers reported they could not find a way to turn off the intentional pause.

How can users unlock the iPhone Duo faster?

Users can wake the screen, swipe up, and touch the sensor, or use an Apple Watch for quicker access.