Apple’s In-Display Touch ID Could Use IR Technology

It has long been rumored that Apple has been exploring ways to possibly bring back Touch ID to its iPhones. The company’s current-generation of iPhones relies on facial recognition technology through Face ID, and they even implemented similar tech to the iPad, but there is a convenience to Touch ID that can’t be beaten by the likes of Face ID.

However, with phones moving to full screen displays and eliminating the bezels, companies are turning to in-display fingerprint sensors, and the rumors are claiming Apple is exploring the idea as well. In fact, according to a report from AppleInsider, they discovered a patent in which it shows that Apple is exploring the use of infrared imaging technology to power its in-display fingerprint sensor.

Most fingerprint sensors rely on capacitive technology, but in the case with in-display models, some use ultrasonic scanning to scan the ridges of a person’s fingerprints in order to authenticate them. We’re not sure if Apple’s solution will be better than what’s currently available in the market, but we’re not surprised that the company is exploring alternatives.

It is also unclear when this feature will debut in future iPhones, but it does give us hope that maybe one day, Apple could be bringing Touch ID back to its iPhones.

Tyler Lee
Categories: Apple, Cellphones
Tags: Patent, Security, touch id