Qualcomm's latest under-display fingerprint sensor is 50% faster

AppleInsider

Qualcomm at CES 2021 debuted a new under-display fingerprint sensor expected to launch on Android flagships -- and possibly an iPhone -- in 2021.

Credit: Qualcomm

The new 3D Sonic Sensor is 50% faster and 77% larger than Qualcomm's previous in-screen fingerprint reader. It measures 8mm x 8mm, compared to the previous generation's 4mm x 9mm.

Qualcomm says it expects the new generation of 3D Sonic Sensor to start appearing in high-end Android flagships as soon as the first half of 2021, The Verge reported on Monday.

The announcement of the new reader comes amid rumors that Apple will bring its Touch ID biometric system back to the iPhone lineup sometime in 2021.

In August 2019, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted that the 2021 iPhone, possibly the "iPhone 13," could sport both Face ID and Touch ID. He also indicated that Qualcomm would be the likely supplier of the fingerprint reading technology.

As recently as October 2020, a leaker with a reliable track record said that under-display Touch ID on an iPhone is still on the horizon.

Having both Face ID and Touch ID on an iPhone could offer a number of benefits for users, including more secure dual-authentic requirements and an alternative unlocking process for when a user's face is obscured by a face mask.

Rumors of an iPhone with display-embedded Touch ID first surfaced prior to the release of the iPhone X. While Apple has switched to Face ID on its flagship smartphones, Touch ID is still present on lower-cost iPhone models and iPad devices.

Since the debut of the iPhone X, there has also been a steady stream of patent applications suggesting that Apple is still working on an under-display fingerprint reading technology.

DAalseth

I have a couple year old iPad Pro. The fingerprint reader works half to two thirds of the time. At least once a day it fails enough I have to enter my passcode. That’s not counting when I have water, or dust, or lotion on my hands and it just refuses to recognize my finger at all.  FaceID on my 11 though is just flawless. So sure if they want to put the fingerprint reader under the screen that’s fine. I’m sure some people will jump at it. I’m going to stick to FaceID.

mark fearing

DAalseth said:

I have a couple year old iPad Pro. The fingerprint reader works half to two thirds of the time. At least once a day it fails enough I have to enter my passcode. That’s not counting when I have water, or dust, or lotion on my hands and it just refuses to recognize my finger at all.  FaceID on my 11 though is just flawless. So sure if they want to put the fingerprint reader under the screen that’s fine. I’m sure some people will jump at it. I’m going to stick to FaceID.

I agree. I don't quite understand why anyone would want Touch ID at this point. Face ID will only get better. And I would guess it'll be on the iMac soon enough too. It seems really silly to be investing in touch ID phone tech at this point. WHat's next, floppy disks for 'small file, portable storage.'?

chadbag

I would like TouchID on my phone.  FaceID is great but too often I have to open my phone with the dang mask on and I end up having to put the passcode in. And also I pick up the phone in the morning off my nightstand and it misreads my face and won’t show me the notifications.  I have to put the phone back to sleep (screen sleep by pushing the power button on the side) and then wake it back up.  Having TouchID as a backup would be great.  

cloudguy

mark fearing said:

DAalseth said:

I have a couple year old iPad Pro. The fingerprint reader works half to two thirds of the time. At least once a day it fails enough I have to enter my passcode. That’s not counting when I have water, or dust, or lotion on my hands and it just refuses to recognize my finger at all.  FaceID on my 11 though is just flawless. So sure if they want to put the fingerprint reader under the screen that’s fine. I’m sure some people will jump at it. I’m going to stick to FaceID.

I agree. I don't quite understand why anyone would want Touch ID at this point. Face ID will only get better. And I would guess it'll be on the iMac soon enough too. It seems really silly to be investing in touch ID phone tech at this point. WHat's next, floppy disks for 'small file, portable storage.'?

Apple doesn't use Qualcomm tech for TouchID. I should point out that my under-the-screen fingerprint scanner on my Samsung Galaxy Note S20 Ultra works fine. Great even. Fast and accurate. 

KTR

AppleInsider said:

Qualcomm at CES 2021 debuted a new under-display fingerprint sensor expected to launch on Android flagships -- and possibly an iPhone -- in 2021.

Credit: Qualcomm

The new 3D Sonic Sensor is 50% faster and 77% larger than Qualcomm's previous in-screen fingerprint reader. It measures 8mm x 8mm, compared to the previous generation's 4mm x 9mm.

Qualcomm says it expects the new generation of 3D Sonic Sensor to start appearing in high-end Android flagships as soon as the first half of 2021, The Verge reported on Monday.

The announcement of the new reader comes amid rumors that Apple will bring its Touch ID biometric system back to the iPhone lineup sometime in 2021.

In August 2019, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted that the 2021 iPhone, possibly the "iPhone 13," could sport both Face ID and Touch ID. He also indicated that Qualcomm would be the likely supplier of the fingerprint reading technology.

As recently as October 2020, a leaker with a reliable track record said that under-display Touch ID on an iPhone is still on the horizon.

Having both Face ID and Touch ID on an iPhone could offer a number of benefits for users, including more secure dual-authentic requirements and an alternative unlocking process for when a user's face is obscured by a face mask.

Rumors of an iPhone with display-embedded Touch ID first surfaced prior to the release of the iPhone X. While Apple has switched to Face ID on its flagship smartphones, Touch ID is still present on lower-cost iPhone models and iPad devices.

Since the debut of the iPhone X, there has also been a steady stream of patent applications suggesting that Apple is still working on an under-display fingerprint reading technology.

I think they should combine both technologies, and invent something new and give it a different name.  Just my opinion

goodbyeranch

I don't quite understand why anyone would want Touch ID at this point.

I prefer touch ID because by the time I bring my phone up to my face it has ALREADY read my thumb and on the home screen.

This instant access 100+ times a day - not to mention authenticating Wallet transactions, especially when wearing a mask - makes it better.

paraeeker

Face ID is natural for laptops, Touch ID is more natural for handheld devices. Apple’s got it backwards. 

sirlance99

mark fearing said:

DAalseth said:

I have a couple year old iPad Pro. The fingerprint reader works half to two thirds of the time. At least once a day it fails enough I have to enter my passcode. That’s not counting when I have water, or dust, or lotion on my hands and it just refuses to recognize my finger at all.  FaceID on my 11 though is just flawless. So sure if they want to put the fingerprint reader under the screen that’s fine. I’m sure some people will jump at it. I’m going to stick to FaceID.

I agree. I don't quite understand why anyone would want Touch ID at this point. Face ID will only get better. And I would guess it'll be on the iMac soon enough too. It seems really silly to be investing in touch ID phone tech at this point. WHat's next, floppy disks for 'small file, portable storage.'?

FaceID is useless for me because I have a face mask on about 12 hours a day. It’s pretty much always putting my passcode in now. Slowing down the process. Not to mention using some apps makes it cumbersome now. I’d love to have TouchID under the screen right now. Or a least somewhere. 

Rayz2016

DAalseth said:

I have a couple year old iPad Pro. The fingerprint reader works half to two thirds of the time. At least once a day it fails enough I have to enter my passcode. That’s not counting when I have water, or dust, or lotion on my hands and it just refuses to recognize my finger at all.  FaceID on my 11 though is just flawless. So sure if they want to put the fingerprint reader under the screen that’s fine. I’m sure some people will jump at it. I’m going to stick to FaceID.

The problem is the masks. You need to remove the mask for FaceID to work. 

I get that FaceID is more secure, but if people start turning it off so they can buy stuff in shops, then we need a rethink. 

pmc

paraeeker said:

Face ID is natural for laptops, Touch ID is more natural for handheld devices. Apple’s got it backwards. 

Yes yes yes

macgui

I've had a strong preference for Touch ID over the years, and still do. I also have no desire or reason to explain why to somebody who's basically clueless and needs an explanation to comprehend.

That said, I have found the Face ID of my 12 mini to work fairly well. However it doesn't work with my sunglasses or a mask, so it's hopeless when wearing both.

I've also noticed even without a mask and sunglasses, Face ID more seems to require a passcode more frequently than Apple's algorithm for authenticating Touch ID with a passcode. That may because of more failed attempts when I pick up the phone while reclining or after raising my sunglasses or lowering my mask.

Having the phone automatically revert to passcode is reasonably acceptable, but slow. Having both Face ID and Touch ID would give me the best of both and the worst of neither. Sunglasses will be with me to the end of my days, and masks... Maybe not much less so.

avon b7

Long overdue and welcome if Apple includes another biometrics option.

FaceID has its limitations (masks, twins, people that just happen to look alike - and it has never been able to 'learn' my wife's face with glasses). TouchID has some other limitations (gloves, etc).

Including two (or even three like Bone VoiceID) would give most people a satisfactory experience. 

StrangeDays

paraeeker said:

Face ID is natural for laptops, Touch ID is more natural for handheld devices. Apple’s got it backwards. 

The reason FaceID exists in handhelds is to reduce the chin and increase surface to screen ratio. 

MplsP

StrangeDays said:

paraeeker said:

Face ID is natural for laptops, Touch ID is more natural for handheld devices. Apple’s got it backwards. 

The reason FaceID exists in handhelds is to reduce the chin and increase surface to screen ratio. 

But now we have that HIDEOUS notch! /s

mobird

I switch to my sunglasses in the car or when out and about, when in the car my iPhone X has no problem with Face ID and that is with the iPhone in a cradle about a foot away from my face. Now mask are a different story as everyone knows...
What type of sunglasses are you wearing?

macgui said:

I've had a strong preference for Touch ID over the years, and still do. I also have no desire or reason to explain why to somebody who's basically clueless and needs an explanation to comprehend.

That said, I have found the Face ID of my 12 mini to work fairly well. However it doesn't work with my sunglasses or a mask, so it's hopeless when wearing both.

I've also noticed even without a mask and sunglasses, Face ID more seems to require a passcode more frequently than Apple's algorithm for authenticating Touch ID with a passcode. That may because of more failed attempts when I pick up the phone while reclining or after raising my sunglasses or lowering my mask.

Having the phone automatically revert to passcode is reasonably acceptable, but slow. Having both Face ID and Touch ID would give me the best of both and the worst of neither. Sunglasses will be with me to the end of my days, and masks... Maybe not much less so.

jcs2305

mark fearing said:

DAalseth said:

I have a couple year old iPad Pro. The fingerprint reader works half to two thirds of the time. At least once a day it fails enough I have to enter my passcode. That’s not counting when I have water, or dust, or lotion on my hands and it just refuses to recognize my finger at all.  FaceID on my 11 though is just flawless. So sure if they want to put the fingerprint reader under the screen that’s fine. I’m sure some people will jump at it. I’m going to stick to FaceID.

I agree. I don't quite understand why anyone would want Touch ID at this point. Face ID will only get better. And I would guess it'll be on the iMac soon enough too. It seems really silly to be investing in touch ID phone tech at this point. WHat's next, floppy disks for 'small file, portable storage.'?

Masks. That is the only reason I personally would like the option again. I love Face ID as well, but with masks it gets a bit annoying. I have commented here before that I think the fingerprint sensor in the power button like the iPad Air would be perfect.With raise to wake it could be almost seamless to open your phone as you rest your thumb on the power button while wearing a mask.

I have never used the newest iPad air so I honestly don't know how well it works.. @DAalseth made some valid points.. when I was using the 10.5 iPad pro I was in the habit of wiping the fingerprint reader multiple times a day just to avoid the failure that was almost inevitable from oils on my hand, or moisture or whatever else if I didn't keep it clean.

fastasleep

chadbag said:

I would like TouchID on my phone.  FaceID is great but too often I have to open my phone with the dang mask on and I end up having to put the passcode in. And also I pick up the phone in the morning off my nightstand and it misreads my face and won’t show me the notifications.  I have to put the phone back to sleep (screen sleep by pushing the power button on the side) and then wake it back up.  Having TouchID as a backup would be great.  

You don't have to sleep/wake it, just swipe up from the bottom.

sbdude

Because masks are the only reason to use a fingerprint over a face? Makes it sound like Apple is planing for the next pandemic, or this one won’t ever end.

jcs2305

sbdude said:

Because masks are the only reason to use a fingerprint over a face? Makes it sound like Apple is planing for the next pandemic, or this one won’t ever end.

Masks..helmets anything that obstructs the face enough for face ID not to work. It would be nice to have a secondary way of opening the phone if face ID isn't able to open for whatever reason. This rumor of touch id coming back under the screen has been around long before the COVID-19 pandemic.