Science & Tech · Gadgets & EVs · 3 hrs ago
Reviewers Say iPhone Duo’s Touch ID Feels Slow After Face ID
The iPhone Duo uses Touch ID instead of Face ID to unlock, and reviewers say the change can take getting used to.
Several reviewers found unlocking slower than expected, partly because the phone pauses on the Lock Screen after a finger touches the side button.
Apple says the pause gives people time to see notifications and makes the experience more consistent with Touch ID on Macs and iPads.
Reviewers also cited problems with damp or greasy fingers, accidental presses and unlocking while wearing gloves.
One reviewer found that waking the phone, swiping up and then touching the sensor made unlocking feel instant, while an Apple Watch can unlock the phone as an alternative.
The change matters because Face ID users also rely on facial recognition for tasks such as authorizing Apple Pay, and some reviewers said they missed that convenience.
Reviewers say Touch ID on the iPhone Duo can feel slow compared with Face ID.
Apple added a pause after a finger touches the side button, giving users time to check Lock Screen notifications.
Some reviewers reported difficulty adapting to Touch ID, while others described it as quick and reliable once they got used to it.
Apple said the pause helps provide a consistent experience and gives the phone time to wake and show notifications.
Reviewers also said unlocking with an Apple Watch was faster than using Touch ID.
- Who
- Reviewers of the iPhone Duo and Apple.
- What
- Reviewers said Touch ID can feel slow after using Face ID. Apple said its pause is intentional.
- When
- Reviews were published on October 21, 2026.
- Where
- On the iPhone Duo.
- Why
- Apple said the pause gives the phone time to wake and display Lock Screen notifications, and makes the experience more consistent with other Touch ID devices.
Reviewers critical of the Touch ID experience
Apple
Unlocking experience
Reviewers critical of the Touch ID experience
Several reviewers said Touch ID felt slow or added friction compared with Face ID. Some described problems with accidental presses or adapting to the fingerprint sensor.
Apple
Apple said the intentional pause gives users time to check notifications and provides a more consistent experience with Touch ID on Macs and iPads.
Joanna Stern said she was still fumbling unlocks after a week, while The Verge said a week was enough to get used to Touch ID.
Media reviews of the iPhone Duo were published, with reviewers describing their experience of Touch ID.
- Phone
- iPhone Duo
- Unlock method
- Touch ID on the side button
- Alternative unlock
- Apple Watch
- Review publication date
- October 21, 2026
What people are saying
I really think Face ID is going to be the number one thing people miss coming from other iPhones.
Face ID, I cannot tell you how deeply I miss you,
I'm going to tell you right now, you will want to wear an Apple Watch,
a week