“Apple has been working on biometric sensors for fingerprint scanners for [iOS devices] and the MacBook since at least 2009,” Jack Purcher reports for Patently Apple.
“In 2010 we reported that Apple was working on a fingerprint scanner that could work under a device’s display and in late 2012 Apple revealed their fingerprint scanner for use as an e-commerce and general security feature for the iPhone,” Purcher reports. “Today, the US Patent and Trademark Office revealed Apple’s latest alternative fingerprint scanner design that could be integrated directly into the bezel of a given device.”
Advertisement: Sonos ZonePlayer Wireless Music System: Superior Sound, Wireless Control.
Purcher reports, “In operation, a user will simply swipe a finger over a surface of the sensor. The sensor will capture a number of thin strips of the fingerprint as the finger is swiped, and the complete fingerprint is assembled in software for use in authentication. Such a sensor apparatus is typically preferred when a compact sensor is desired.”
Much more, including Apple’s patent application illustrations, in the full article here.
Related articles:
PayPal exec seemingly confirms ‘iPhone 5S’ fingerprint sensor – May 15, 2013
Apple’s iPhone will become legal tender – May 15, 2013
Apple ‘iPhone 5S’ to feature sapphire crystal capacitive touch Home button with fingerprint sensor, says source – May 14, 2013
Apple’s next iPhone screen could be made of Sapphire – May 2, 2013
Apple’s next-gen ‘iPhone 5S’ to feature fingerprint sensor, NFC-based ‘iWallet,’ sources say – March 11, 2013
Analyst: Apple’s next-gen iPhone’s Home button fingerprint sensor would be difficult for rivals to copy – January 16, 2013
AuthenTec’s sale of encryption unit hints Apple’s interest lies in NFC and fingerprint readers – November 19, 2012
Fingerprint sensor maker AuthenTec said to dump non-Apple customers in 2013 – September 25, 2012
Apple steps closer toward integrated mobile payment market – August 29, 2012
How NFC could fit into Apple’s iPhone 5 – August 29, 2012
Apple wins NFC-enabled barcode-reading ‘on-the-go shopping list’ patent – August 7, 2012
Apple’s $356 million AuthenTec buy a possible prelude to mobile e-payments – July 27, 2012
Apple patent application details iOS devices that control everything in your home via NFC – July 27, 2012
Apple to buy AuthenTec for $356 million – July 27, 2012
Researcher takes complete control of Android and Nokia phones by merely waving another device near them – July 26, 2012
Mobile e-payments via NFC not ready for prime time until Apple says it is – July 18, 2012
How local businesses and Apple’s Passbook could deliver an unbeatable iWallet – July 13, 2012
The death of cash; paying by iPhone about to become a way of life – July 9, 2012
Don’t overlook Apple’s new Passbook or you might miss the future of payments – June 12, 2012
Apple granted U.S. patent for all-new iWallet credit system architecture – June 5, 2012
Inside Apple’s secret plan to kill the cash register – May 19, 2012
Apple’s iWallet: The one that will rule the world – March 21, 2012
Apple’s new iWallet patent hints at new killer app – March 9, 2012
Apple wins major U.S. ‘iWallet’ patent; the one that may one day ‘rule the world’ – March 6, 2012
Apple invents ingenious security system for the iWallet era – January 9, 2012
Apple patent app describes future iOS devices communicating with parking meters, doors, cash registers and much more – September 22, 2011
Fingerprints? I though Apple would introduce Retina scans.
It’s not a fingerprint. It’s a finger pattern. And it’s pretty common to be a thin sensor. Many of the Lenovo laptops all have a fingerprint reader in a narrow bar that you run your finger over. It’s very natural and works quite well.
Yep I used the fingerprint scammer on my Thinkpad years ago (2006?) and it worked great. Using the included utility it would remember all your logins for various sites and apps. Really nice so let hope Apple does this.
Apple doesn’t need fingerprints, what Apple needs first and foremost is fingermagic to bring AAPL back up. 🙂
OK great. Not content with snooping on our electronic communications, PRISM is now going to start requesting these biometric scans be collected and sent for indexing.
I will not be pushed, filed, stamped, indexed, briefed, debriefed or numbered!
Too late!
I was all for fingerprint scanning on iPhone as a security feature. But in light of this PRISM crap … no chance in hell.
Yeah too late. In Texas you’re required to be fingerprinted for drivers licenses, concealed carry, passports, etc. So I’m sure the NSA already has this info.
Tinfoil man, you use a computer, don’t you? Presumably you have a passport, and a drivers licence, a bank account, and other official documents? You’ve already been filed, indexed and numbered. If you imagine otherwise, you’re an even bigger idiot than you seem to be.
The same goes for Docwallaby. Grow up and try to get a grip on reality.
Being that I’m not a criminal, I’ll accept fingerprint scanning if it better secures my devices and makes it easier to make purchases with my iPhone as an iWallet. Though MacFreaks view of a Retina Scan is really an interesting twist. It would give new meaning to the Retina Display. I just don’t see it as being practical in retail stores.
Skip the fingerprint sensor and move right on the the DNA sensor.