Report: In-Display Fingerprint Scanner Market Grew Eightfold in 2019

[MacRumors]

Global shipments of fingerprint-on-display (FoD) sensors grew nearly eightfold in 2019, according to tech market research firm Omdia (via DigiTimes).

A total of 228.3 million FoD sensors were shipped in 2019, up 674% from 29.5 million in 2018, said Omdia. With FoD sensors having reached the sweet spot for market pricing, FoD shipments are expected to continue rising at a tremendous rate in 2020, expanding to more than 400 million units, Omdia indicated.

Apple stopped using its capacitive Touch ID sensor in its flagship iPhones when it introduced Face ID in 2017's iPhone X, which ditched the Home button in favor of an extended screen.

Apple has since pushed ahead with Face ID, adding it to every flagship iPhone since, and even including it in the iPad Pro. Meanwhile, most other smartphone brands have adopted fingerprint-on-display scanners as an advanced biometric identification technology to replace capacitive fingerprint chips. More than 70 smartphone models integrated FoD in 2019, according to Omdia.

Despite Apple's decision to move away from the technology in favor of face recognition, rumors persist about the company's interest in using under-screen fingerprint scanners in its mobile devices. Just last month we heard a report that Apple could feature the technology in an iPhone by 2021, while an anonymous leaker with a fairly accurate track record claimed Apple is developing a new iPad Air with under-the-screen Touch ID.

Those rumors also lined up with reports last year from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Barclays analysts, Bloomberg, and others who said they expect Apple to release an ?iPhone? with both Face ID and under-display fingerprint authentication in 2020 or 2021.

Apple has explored various in-display fingerprint scanner solutions in the past, including fingerprint sensing MicroLED displays, but has not developed in-screen fingerprint technology for a consumer device. Meanwhile, ?Touch ID? has found a new lease of life on Apple's MacBook keyboards and the latest-generation iPhone SE.

With rumors suggesting Apple is working to gradually reduce the size of the notch housing the TrueDepth sensor, which powers Face ID, the most likely scenario is a biometric authentication system that combines both facial and finger sensing tech, enabling a future all-screen device featuring unparalleled mobile security.

Article Link: Report: In-Display Fingerprint Scanner Market Grew Eightfold in 2019

 

[nathan_reilly]

nice

 

[44267547]

I think the perfect median for consumers would be offering both Face ID and some variant of touch ID embedded under the display, But I question if Apple values having both biometric scary options offered on one device, especially given how much R&D has been invested in face ID and it’s continual improvements. For now, I think Apple will continue to keep face ID being the primary, unless they see a reason fit to offer both touch ID/Face ID coinciding together on the same phone.

 

[kazmac]

When Apple remove the notch and add the in display fingerprint scanner, I’ll consider looking at a newer iPhone IF no PWM, small model available and reasonable price.

I enjoy my new SE and see no reason to move to a more modern iPhone.

 

[TiggrToo]

I think the perfect median for consumers would be offering both Face ID and some variant of touch ID embedded under the display, But I question if Apple values having both biometric scary options offered on one device, especially given how much R&D has been invested in face ID and it’s continual improvements. For now, I think Apple will continue to keep face ID being the primary, unless they see a reason fit to offer both touch ID/Face ID coinciding together on the same phone.

If nothing else, the need to have something that works when the user has a facemask on may have potentially shifted priorities towards a dual biometric solution.

 

[xxray]

I don’t understand why these are so popular now. They are less reliable, slower, less secure, and more expensive compared to just a regular fingerprint sensor that could be put on the side or back of the phone.

 

[Surfer13134]

From someone that owns both iPhone with Face ID and Samsung devices with underscreen fingerprint readers I pray Apple does not go strictly to Touch ID under the glass. Yes the readers work on my Samsung phones but boy are they inconsistent. One time they work great while the other time it won't let you in. Fingers have a small smudge of dirt or oilly or to dry? Yea, your finger won't register. Face ID just works. Now if they do a combination of both Face ID and Touch ID that would be cool, so you can use the finger print reader of you have something like a mask covering your face and then Face ID if you have gloves on etc but I doubt that would happen as it would probally raise the price to much having 2 types of biometrics on board.

 

[goobot]

An in-screen fingerprint scaner on iPhone 12 would be an instant buy for me.

 

[minimo3]

I don’t need fancy in-display TouchID, particular since most implementations seem to be somewhat slow. Adding as an additional authentication mechanism (keep FaceID) to the rear of the device or on the sides (power/volume buttons) works fine for me.

 

[44267547]

If nothing else, the need to have something that works when the user has a facemask on may have potentially shifted priorities towards a dual biometric solution.

Yes, I agree. I strongly believe if Apple could offer both biometrics options on the same phone, it only ‘broaden the scope’ for those who actively Can use face ID/touch ID in different scenarios, and I think that would even make a stronger foothold for Apple in the smart phone industry. But given how stringent they are with biometric security, I question when the technology would be ready (If at all), considering Craig Federighi had mentioned in 2017 that they actually experimented with touch ID under the display, but abandoned it in favor of Face ID. But, that being said, Apple works in mysterious ways, so we know they have considered touch ID under the display at least at one point.

 

[sunapple]

It’s so slow on my work phone (Galaxy A30s). Quite a few errors too. Sometimes I miss the scanner when trying to unlock from a black screen (you have to guess where it is).

In my phone, it feels like a cheap feature and it makes me appreciate FaceID even more. Of course, the A30s is no flagship.

 

[and 1989 others]

Apple seem to be ditching some really great technology, for far less great technology just recently. 3D touch, Finger print recognition, the actual home button.

 

[The Game 161]

Hopefully by 2021 the scanner will be good enough to use on a consistent basics.

 

[jimbobb24]

I love TouchID but am shocked at how good and how much better FaceID is. Sweaty fingers at the gym (before the apocalypse) - no problem. The phone is usually unlocked before I am interacting with it. Very impressive.

 

[mnsportsgeek]

I think can all agree FaceID is better in most situations, but I would still like TouchID to make a return for those cases where it isn’t always convenient.

 

[justperry]

I love TouchID but am shocked at how good and how much better FaceID is. Sweaty fingers at the gym (before the apocalypse) - no problem. The phone is usually unlocked before I am interacting with it. Very impressive.

I think can all agree FaceID is better in most situations, but I would still like TouchID to make a return for those cases where it isn’t always convenient.

So, it would be perfect if we had both FaceID and TouchId, make FaceId mandatory for financial stuff like banks amongst a few other cases (Medical records) use one or the other cases.

 

[Quicksilver867]

Still cautiously optimistic about this feature. I imagine Apple have yet to do it because existing attempts seem to be lackluster.

 

[JosephAW]

Waiting for Face ID and camera under the glass as well.

 

[ZipZap]

Is this really a surprise. Preferred to face recognition.

 

[JosephAW]

I like how they use the fake iPhone 12 mock up pic for this article.

 

[44267547]

I love TouchID but am shocked at how good and how much better FaceID is. Sweaty fingers at the gym (before the apocalypse) - no problem. The phone is usually unlocked before I am interacting with it. Very impressive.

Awhile that’s true, it doesn’t mean that Face ID doesn’t pose issues wit unlocking Successfull at various angles and while lying down (Due to facial muscles being relaxed), those are just two caveats. Touch ID was nearly perfected with the iPhone 8, but always had a tendency of not unlocking with cold/damp fingers. My point is, biometric security options are not perfect, nor will they ever be. It really is an iterative process of refining technology over the years, and I think Face ID still has a lot of potential in the upcoming years.

 

[Marco0107]

Now if they do a combination of both Face ID and Touch ID that would be cool, so you can use the finger print reader of you have something like a mask covering your face and then Face ID if you have gloves on etc

This is an excellent reason to have both. Now that I am venturing out into the COVID-19 infested world, with a face mask, I am doing something I have not done for almost three years: missing TouchID.

 

[Jandalf]

I was very positively surprised by how well face ID works after first use. And supposedly even more secure. For me it works with bicycle helmet and sun glasses most of the time as well.

But now face masks : how used was I already and how annoying is it to enter the code frequently. But for this -temporary- inconvenience an additional Touch ID?
Well, yes if it’s free, but not for extra bucks, IMHO
[automerge]1589459638[/automerge]
By the way: if multiple Ways of ID-ing are in the works, why not go for an additional index-finger Touch ID at the back of the phone?

 

[iosuser]

As @Surfer13134 mentioned, the on screen finger print read on Samsung is very inconsistent. I have a S10 that just sits at the house. I'd say the success rate is 75% at best, probably lower. I imagine though that if and when Apple does implement it, it'd be far more reliable.

I'm still rocking my iPX since launch. I have to admit the thought has crossed my mind to switch to the new SE for the good old rock solid finger print reader.

 

[now i see it]

It's all about the animoji at this point. They're too invested in it