“Apple is preparing to release a free software update designed to improve the fingerprint recognition experience of Touch ID, potentially fixing a ‘fade’ issue that has been experienced by some iPhone 5s users, AppleInsider has learned,” Daniel Eran Dilger reports for AppleInsider.
“A source familiar with Apple’s development plans said the company is well aware of early adopter issues that many iPhone 5s users are experiencing with Touch ID, the fingerprint recognition feature introduced last year after acquiring AuthenTec in 2012,” Dilger reports. “After launching iPhone 5s last fall, Apple has continued to work with the original AuthenTec team to improve its recognition software and will release an update relatively soon, the source confidently reported.”
“Multiple users affected by the ‘AuthenTec Fade’ problem have noted that reconfiguring their prints seems to return the system to its initial performance, but after several weeks the so-called ‘fade’ creeps back,” Dilger reports. “Another trick suggested in user forms is to configure your most commonly used finger multiple times as separate fingers, under the assumption that this makes it more likely that the system can recognize the print on the first try. ”
Read more in the full article here.
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “Dan K.” for the heads up.]
About time too, it does seem to deteriorate over time.
Not sure why you were down voted. This has happened to me a few times. So it is a real issue for some builds.
it’s those “leaky” bits.
I completely fixed the fade issue after listening to a Security Now Podcast, in which the presenter offered a trick to teach the sensor your fingerprint. The fade problem is completely solved.
http://twit.tv/show/security-now/440
I KNOW I’M SHOUTING – BECAUSE THIS ABSOLUTELY WORKS!
Start the video at about 13:50
http://twit.tv/show/security-now/440
Before I was successful most of the time on 2 or 3 finger presses. Now it is pretty much the 1st time. It works for all registered finger impressions. Basically the procedure gives the iPhone more finger samples.
THIS IS GREAT!
This shouldn’t have been an issue though based on Apple’s original promise in the introduction video that finger positioning didn’t matter.
Who Knew – this guy is a genius. Why doesn’t Apple tell you that the iPhone can be continually trained to read your fingerprint?
Also you can “over train” it. Goto Touch ID where it shows your prints and put your finger on the touch id every time it turns grey you are training it. I’ve done this and it seems to be lots better.
I’ve done this, too, even though I’ve never had any problems with TouchID. I’ve focused upon “over training” TouchID using “off target” touches, i.e., fingers rolled over a bit, the very tip of my finger, not just the pad. In playing around after this over training, I’m able to unlock when being imprecise in placing my fingers on the sensor. The only times TouchID doesn’t work on the first try is when my fingers are wet and / or dirty, oily.
Until TouchID arrived, along with my 5s, I didn’t use a passcode at all. Apple’s implementation is as straight-forward and invisible as can be.
I initially registered 5 fingers, but had to re-register them when the skin dried and again when it repaired. Not scientific, but I’m assuming skin condition matters and I’ve had no problems since registering three fingers and two of them in the alternate condition.
@Arnold
I have the same problem when my hooves are wet or muddy.
I’ve had mine since day one, I only learned each finger once, I have never relearned any finger, and mine still works as reliably as ever.
Someone mentioned that your nipple can work with Touch ID. I wonder if thats better and more reliable than your fingers? 😉
On a different note my macbook pro 13 inch (i5, 4gb ram) have gotten slower since the new 10.9.2 security update. When i start the laptop, after putting the password in login it takes longer to get to the main page then before, and now the dock takes longer to appear. iPhoto is annoyingly slower and stutters when i scroll down the pictures, before it was buttery smooth.