iPhone’s concealed fingerprint scanner

Apple is likely to include an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner hidden behind the screen of an upcoming iPhone, according to industry leaks


Screen: Must be OLED display for scanner to function

Digit: Can be wet or greasy and sensor will still work

Ultrasonic scanner: Panel, attached to underside of display, would be in addition to Face ID camera system

HOW IT WORKS 

Screen

High frequency sound waves

Scanner

1

Finger: Sends tiny electrical pulse that wakes scanner

2

Sound waves return to create 3D map of fingerprint

Ultrasonic scanners are more reliable and occupy less space than optical fingerprint sensors


Qualcomm 3D Sonic Max: Latest ultrasonic sensor (17 times larger scan area than last generation), capable of scanning two digits at once for added security

New scan area: 30mm x 20mm

Previous generation: 9mm x 4mm*

Had rocky debut in Samsung Galaxy S10 and Note10 after screen protectors caused it to fail

Eventual goal is under- display scanner that fills entire display


*approximately


Sources: MacRumors, Qualcomm, CNET, The Verge
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