Key Apple Innovator Behind Multi-Touch, Touch ID, Face ID, and Vision Pro Exits: What’s Next for Tech Giant?

Steve Hotelling, the brilliant mind behind many of Apple’s groundbreaking innovations, is leaving the company after a long and successful career. Hotelling’s work at Apple included the creation of several crucial features used in the company’s most important products. One of his most notable contributions was the invention of multi-touch technology, which allowed users to pinch and zoom on their smartphones. This technology became a key feature for the iPhone and eventually made its way to Android devices.

In addition to multi-touch, Hotelling also played a pivotal role in the development of Touch ID, Apple’s first dependable fingerprint scanner, and Face ID, a secure 3D facial recognition system. He also worked on the 120Hz ProMotion display, custom image sensors for the camera, and Apple’s Vision Pro spatial computer.

Hotelling’s departure from Apple has prompted a reshuffling within the company, with several veteran executives taking on the responsibilities he left behind. Despite his departure, Hotelling leaves behind a legacy of innovation that has shaped the technology industry.

According to a longtime colleague, “No one was more brilliant than Steve.” His work has left an indelible mark on Apple’s hardware technologies, and his contributions will continue to impact the company’s future products. While Hotelling’s next steps are unknown, his legacy at Apple will be remembered for years to come.