Sections of this topic
This article will explore the recent developments in Apple’s research on under-screen fingerprint sensors.
Key Takeaways:
- Apple is reportedly exploring the possibility of reintroducing Touch ID in its all-screen iPhone by utilizing under-display touch technology.
- The company has been researching under-screen Touch ID since 2013 and has received several patents related to the technology.
- A recent patent grant combines shortwave infrared technology with an optical imaging system, enabling the system to detect vein patterns, blood oxygenation, pulse, and whether the user is wearing gloves or if their finger is wet.
- According to Ming-Chi Kuo, an industry analyst, Apple was originally expected to release an iPhone model equipped with an under-screen fingerprint scanner in 2023, but later changed his prediction to 2024.
- Industry sources suggest that Apple may introduce under-screen Touch ID in a 2026 iPhone, or may opt to include Touch ID in the power button.
- Apple’s latest patent related to Touch ID under the display provides more evidence that the company is continuing to develop this technology.
Apple Researching Under-Screen Fingerprint Sensor Technology
Apple is exploring the reintroduction of Touch ID in its all-screen iPhone by utilizing under-display touch technology, according to a recent rumor.
This comes after the company had previously released Face ID as an all-in-one biometric solution for its iPhones in 2017.
Apple’s Ongoing Research
Despite doubts about the feasibility of implementing under-screen Touch ID in future iPhones, Apple has increased its research efforts in the technology.
The company has been working on a Touch ID system that can be placed beneath the display since 2013, as evidenced by several patents it has received over the years.
New Patent Related to Touch ID
In a recent development, Apple was granted a patent that combines shortwave infrared technology with an optical imaging system.
This latest iteration not only reads the user’s fingerprint when it touches the display but can also detect vein patterns, blood oxygenation, pulse, as well as whether the user is wearing gloves or if their finger is wet.
Ming-Chi Kuo’s Predictions
An industry analyst named Ming-Chi Kuo forecasted in September 2021 that Apple would launch a new iPhone model equipped with an under-screen fingerprint scanner in the latter half of 2023.
But Kuo later changed his prediction and said that it was unlikely for Apple to release any iPhone models with under-screen Touch ID before 2024.
Possibility of Touch ID
Industry sources suggest that Apple will introduce under-screen Touch ID two to three years after debuting under-panel Face ID.
According to display analyst Ross Young’s roadmap, we might see a new under-screen version of Touch ID in a 2026 iPhone, possibly in the same year that Apple moves both Face ID and the front-facing camera under the display.
However, there is also a possibility that Apple may introduce an iPhone with Touch ID built into the power button, much like the latest iPad Air and iPad mini models.
Optical Imaging System
Apple has been granted another patent by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office related to Touch ID under the display, which utilizes “shortwave infrared” technology.
This patent covers an optical imaging system that is positioned behind or integrated within the electronic device’s display.
Functionality of Optical Imaging System
The optical imaging system emits a bright light on an object or a part of an object that touches the display’s surface using shortwave infrared technology.
The optical imaging system is also configured to receive and quantify surface and/or subsurface reflections that result from the flood illumination in the shortwave infrared band.
Therefore, the optical imaging system can capture an image of the user’s fingerprint and gather information such as vein pattern, blood oxygenation, pulse, and whether the user is wearing gloves or if their finger is wet or dry. This imaging system can be either a single-element sensor or a multi-element sensor.
Conclusion
While it remains uncertain whether Apple will bring back Touch ID for the iPhone, the company’s ongoing research in under-screen fingerprint sensing technology suggests that it is still exploring the possibility.
The latest patent grant related to Touch ID under the display also provides more evidence that Apple is continuing to develop this technology.
Only time will tell if and when Apple will introduce under-screen Touch ID for its iPhones.
