Screen fingerprint sensor technology revealed ahead of iPhone 8 launch

Fingerprint sensor technology embedded in a touchscreen, which is rumoured to be a feature of the upcoming iPhone 8, has been showcased at Mobile World Congress 2017 in Shanghai.

This means the device can read a user’s fingerprint through the screen rather than requiring a dedicated home button on the front or back of the device.

And this would make room for a larger screen which is reportedly what Apple is aiming to produce with the iPhone 8.

The technology by Qualcomm was seen running on prototype devices at the MWC trade show using a Vivo XPlay 6 smartphone.

It uses ultrasonic technology to scan the user’s fingerprint through a screen’s cover glass.

“We are excited to announce Qualcomm Fingerprint Sensors because they can be designed to support sleeker, cutting-edge form factors, unique mobile authentication experiences, and enhanced security authentication,” said Seshu Madhavapeddy, vice president, product management, Qualcomm Technologies in a statement.

“This provides OEMs and operators with the ability to offer truly distinct, differentiated devices with added value on truly groundbreaking new devices.”

Apple is rumoured have developed its own version of this technology to work through an OLED (organic light emitting diode) display.