AuthenTec to stop selling fingerprint technology to Apple competitors

Fingerprint sensor maker AuthenTec notified existing customers, including Samsung, HP, Dell, Lenovo, and Fujitsu, that it will not be offering its security technology to them starting next year.

AuthenTec’s current customers have been described as “in a state of panic” as they seek alternative suppliers for fingerprint recognition technology.

In July, as reported by BiometricUpdate.com, Apple entered into an agreement to purchase AuthenTec Inc. for approximately US$356 million. With AuthenTec holding a significant number of patents, many of its clients may have difficulty finding adequate fingerprint recognition technology alternatives to integrate into their own solutions.

Speculators believe Apple purchased AuthenTec to gain exclusive control over its sensor technology, which not only verify fingerprints, but also acts as a touch pad controller. The technology most probably will be included into an array of future Apple mobile products.

Article Topics

Apple  |  AuthenTec  |  fingerprint recognition  |  fingerprint sensor