As this fall approaches, both rumors and actual evidence have pointed to the next iPhone’s marquee feature being a fingerprint sensor for authentication purposes. We previously provided iOS 7-based evidence and information regarding Apple’s work on implementing a fingerprint sensor in future products.
While we reported that Apple is actively developing fingerprint solutions that sit within a display for products a few years into the future, it seems that this year’s iPhone fingerprint sensor could be integrated into the iconic home button.
In light of these rumors, Geppy Parziale, a biometric authentication expert from InvasiveCode, has compiled in-depth look at the technology that powers miniature fingerprint sensors:
The article provides in-depth detail behind the science of fingerprint sensors. Specifically, the post shares why biometrics are a viable authentication solution. The article also defines some of the critical terminology in the field, explaining which terms and technologies are relevant to an iPhone-embedded-solution. The article also presents interesting detail behind how the sensors actually function:
The rest of the sensor section is worth a read: it includes in-depth technical details about how the tech functions. Parziale also shares some concern about fingerprint technology, noting that some sensors do not have a long lifespan. Perhaps this is why Apple will not trust such a sensor with payments, as we previously noted.
Of course, sensor performance will vary and with Apple’s expertise in hardware, perhaps they will implement a well-built sensor in the rumored upcoming iPhone. Apple-owned Authentec has worked on numerous types of sensor designs, so time will tell which specific technology Apple uses to bring fingerprint scanning mainstream.
Past history indicates that Apple introduces an “S” iPhone following a major redesign. In line with this was an iPhone 4S to follow the iPhone 4. The 4S added a faster chip, better camera, and Siri as the main selling point. With last year’s Authentec acquisition and the recent rumors and evidence, it seems likely that a fingerprint sensor will be this year’s “Siri.”
Besides a fingerprint sensor, the next iPhone will likely sport the same design as the iPhone 5 (with the phone likely to be dubbed “iPhone 5S”), an improved camera system, and a faster, A7 processing chip. Speculation has pointed to a launch toward the end of September.
