2019 iPhones to reportedly drop 3D Touch, 2020 models to bring fullscreen Touch ID

Rumors are always swirling regarding whichever generation of iPhone is coming next, and neither the 2019 or 2020 models have been exempt from that trend so far. Today, Blayne Curtis, an analyst at Barclays, along with some associates, shared expectations with MacRumors for the next two generations of iPhones, some of which align with previous rumors.

For example, the report from the analysts claims that this year's iPhone models will be mostly similar to the 2018 versions, aside from the addition of another lens to the back of the phones, which had previously been rumored. Additionally, it seems like this year's models may do away with 3D Touch, which has been part of most iPhones since the 6s family. The iPhone XR was the first device in some time to not support it. It also looks like the successor to that phone may increase the RAM to 4GB instead of 3GB.

Looking further ahead to 2020, Apple may be planning a new version of the iPhone SE, which would include internals similar to those of the iPhone 8. Many users still prefer the small form factor for high-end devices, so the device would likely find an audience. It's said that that the device may come early next year, but some suppliers were not aware of its existence.

As for the larger iPhone releases in 2020, it looks like that's when Apple will be shaking things up a bit more. The company may be adding 5G support, a 3D camera to the back - another thing that had been previously reported -, OLED displays for the entire lineup, and a new form of Touch ID.

Apple started moving away from fingerprint recognition on its iPhones after it implemented facial recognition in the iPhone X, and the 2018 models all used Face ID. The report suggests that the company may be using an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor under the display for the 2020 iteration, enabling users to tap anywhere on the screen to unlock the phone.

Of course, those phones are still quite some time away, and while plans for the 2019 models may be solidifying, it's always possible that next year's iPhones may see significant changes before they're announced. We'll have to wait for official announcements from Apple.