Android smartphones with in-display fingerprint technology to grow 500 percent as Apple waits

The number of smartphones sold with in-display fingerprint sensors will increase by 500 percent in 2019, but none will be made by Apple, according to a research note by TF Securities supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported by 9to5Mac.

The increase in what Kuo refers to as “Fingerprint On Display” technology will be made up entirely of Android devices. The technology has been limited so far by its support for only high-end OLED displays, and not mid-range LCD screens, Kuo says. He believes that this is changing, however, which will drive adoption, and that the technology is steadily improving.

Kuo also says that Samsung’s Q1 2019 update of the Galaxy S10 will include an in-display fingerprint sensor, and that full-screen fingerprint sensing will become available later next year. He claimed in July that Qualcomm will provide an ultrasonic sensor for Samsung’s high-end smartphones beginning next year.

As for Apple, Kuo expects it will continue to offer Face ID, but not in-display fingerprint sensing, in iPhones through fall of 2019, which he says makes the technology a key differentiator for Android.

In addition to maintaining Face ID as the main biometric and unlock mechanism for iPhones, Apple is expected to integrate the technology into iPads in the near future.

Article Topics

Android  |  Apple  |  biometrics  |  fingerprint sensors  |  Ming Kuo