With the launch of the iPhone 13 about a month away (or sooner), more information is surfacing about what features Apple may include and what features may be left behind.

The latest report comes from Power on Mark Gurman, a newsletter for Bloomberg, and he reiterates what we have heard from other sources: that Apple will not include in-screen Touch ID for the new iPhone. This is another reason why people might want to wait for the iPhone 14.

As first reported by 9to5Mac, this is how Gurman describes the bad news:

"Apple was testing in-screen Touch ID for the next flagship iPhone, but it won't make the cut this year. I believe Apple is going all in on Face ID for its high-end iPhones and the long-term goal is to implement Face ID on the display itself.

That's a great goal, but it ignores the more immediate need for Touch ID on this generation of iPhone 13. The CDC continues to recommend wearing masks indoors in areas of high infection, even for those who are fully immunized. Unfortunately, right now, 95% of the country is infected.

If Gurman's report is accurate, the iPhone 13 will continue to rely solely on Face ID with TrueDepth sensor, which simply does not work when wearing a mask. And unless Apple finds a way to identify people by their eyes or upper body, iPhone 13 buyers will have to enter a passcode every time they want to use their phone in public while wearing a mask.

If you own an Apple Watch, iOS 14.5 or later allows you to easily unlock your iPhone while wearing a mask. However, there are plenty of iPhone owners who do not own an Apple Watch 6, Apple Watch SE, or earlier.

Garman further stated that Apple will offer one of two options for iPhone authentication in the future. For lower-end models like the upcoming iPhone SE 3, Face ID may be implemented as it is on current iPhones (e.g., Notch). However, in Apple's flagship devices, Face ID may be integrated into the display, as in the iPhone 14.

Rumors suggest that there are many other upgrades available for the iPhone 13 lineup. These could include a faster and more efficient A15 Bionic processor, larger camera upgrades such as portrait mode video and astrophotography, and improved 5G connectivity. In addition, the notch should be smaller.

The iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max will be more exciting, as they are expected to feature an always-connected display with a 120 Hz refresh rate. Fortunately, all four new iPhones are also said to have larger batteries.

However, it is unfortunate that Apple may not include Touch ID in the new iPhone 13. I would have gladly accepted that feature integrated into the power button, like on the current iPad Air.