Apple has reportedly made progress in developing its under-the-display Touch ID authentication technology, which could debut in iPhones in the next two to three years.
While rumors about the technology have been circulating for some time, a report from Ming-Chi Kuo previously suggested that it would not be available in the iPhone 15 or 16. However, Yeux1122’s blog now claims that Apple has made progress in developing Touch ID sensors for quick authentication and advanced features like measuring oxygen saturation and pulse rate.
According to the blog post, the technology will replace the punch-hole notch on all-screen iPhones without the notch. It uses a new system that combines short wave infrared and optical sensors, with 12 related patents already obtained. The system requires parts containing single-element sensors (such as photodiodes, phototransistors, and photosensitive elements) and multi-element sensors (such as complementary metal oxide semiconductor arrays, and photodiode arrays).
One of the key features of the new Touch ID sensors is that they can identify the user’s vein pattern, making it possible to measure blood oxygen saturation and pulse rate. The technology also has a fast situational recognition rate that can detect if the user is wearing gloves or if their fingers are wet or dry.
This technology has the potential to be a game-changer for Apple’s iPhone lineup, offering users a more advanced and secure authentication method. It could also make it possible for the company to eliminate the notch on future iPhone models, creating a sleeker and more streamlined design.
While it’s unclear when the under-the-display Touch ID technology will debut in iPhones, it’s clear that Apple is making progress in developing the technology.