Apple Patent Suggests Embedding Fingerprint Sensors In The Display

Apple’s newer iOS devices all come with Touch ID installed in the home button, but could there be a better and more elegant way of introducing fingerprint technology? As it turns out there is, and it is inside the display itself. This is according to a patent from Apple that was recently published by the USPTO.

As you can see in the diagram above, the patent describes a system in which the fingerprint sensor would be embedded inside the display, effectively giving it similar capabilities as Touch ID but in a different placement. In fact given that it is embedded in the display, we wouldn’t be surprised if apps could be designed around that feature or create a UI that takes advantage of it.

However this is more than just a shift in placement. Apple’s patent also describes how the sensor is able to register four separate prints at once, versus Touch ID which only registers one print at a time. This could allow for more complex locking and security measures in the future, like the ability to launch certain apps by scanning their fingerprint over it.

Of course given that this is just a patent, there’s really no telling if and when Apple would make it a reality, but it is an intriguing idea and we wouldn’t mind seeing it being made, but what do you guys think? Yay or nay?

Tyler Lee
Categories: Apple, Cellphones
Tags: iPhone, Patent