Wired
According to Joanna Stern of The Wall Street Journal, Apple is developing in-screen fingerprint technology for the iPhone 13, which will be used as an auxiliary biometric feature along with Face ID. Stern shared this news in an article studying the features of the Samsung Galaxy S21, which may be integrated into the next-generation iPhone.
Earlier there were some rumors about the Touch ID function in Apple’s display, such as Apple’s analysis of Guo Mingchi and Bloomberg’s Mark Gullman. They both said that this is a feature Apple is considering adding to the new iPhone. In situations where Face ID is not the best unlocking option, such as when wearing a mask, the auxiliary Touch ID function will be very useful.
According to Stern, she heard from a former Apple employee that the company is using optical sensors for in-screen fingerprint reading, which is “more reliable” than ultrasonic solutions.
The working principle of the fingerprint sensor in the optical screen is to use light. In Android phones using this technology, a fingerprint icon will light up on the screen to provide light. Put the finger there, and then the camera will generate an image of the finger. Optical sensors are easily deceived because they use two-dimensional images.
Ultrasonic fingerprint sensor is a relatively new technology. It uses small sound waves to create a 3D map of fingerprints. This is a safer solution and works better when the fingers are wet. However, the price of ultrasonic fingerprint sensing technology is much higher.
Apple’s Touch ID buttons used on iPhone, iPad and Mac are all capacitive. Capacitive sensors use a series of tiny capacitors to create fingerprint data maps. Since it does not use direct fingerprint images, it is difficult to be deceived.
It is worth noting that optical-capacitance hybrid sensors exist, so if Apple does adopt optical solutions, the Touch ID function may not be unsafe. In fact, it is very unlikely that Apple will use standard optical sensors. Optical-capacitive hybrid sensors will combine the fast scanning advantages of optical sensors and the safety of capacitive sensors. This system will not be easily deceived.
Stern said that according to her sources, no matter which solution Apple decides to adopt, it needs to meet its current Touch ID key safety standards, so there will be no degradation in functionality.
Although Stern’s sources said that Apple is studying optical technology, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that Apple will use ultrasonic technology. He once said that GIS will provide Apple with “large-area induction ultrasonic” technology, and Qualcomm will provide ultrasonic modules and films. It is worth mentioning that Apple has also applied for a patent for the “acoustic” Touch ID function, which can work in the display.
Regardless of the implementation method, the return of Touch ID to the iPhone is welcome, because it will provide more options for unlocking the iPhone in different situations, while also adding a layer of security. So far, these rumors have not been confirmed.
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