Synaptics has announced a fingerprint scanner that can be placed under glass and does its job even then. The scanner can therefore be used in smartphones that are completely covered with glass.
According to Synaptics, the Natural ID FS9100 module can recognize fingerprints when the optical scanner is mounted under a glass plate up to 1mm thick. That should make it possible for manufacturers to make smartphones with a front or back that consists entirely of glass, without cutouts for the fingerprint scanner.
In the first quarter of 2017, Synaptics will supply samples of the module to manufacturers. The fingerprint scanner will go into mass production in the second quarter. According to the manufacturer, the scanner also performs well when users’ fingers are wet. In addition, the module is protected against scratches, because it is placed under the glass layer.
It is possible that manufacturers such as Apple and Samsung will apply the module in the iPhone 8 and Galaxy S8 respectively. There have been rumors for some time that Apple will no longer apply a physical home button to its phones. Samsung would be planning the same. Such a scanner that works under glass would offer a solution.
The Synaptics module is not the first fingerprint scanner that works under a glass plate. LG announced its first proprietary module in May, with the same feature. At the time, the South Korean manufacturer said it was in talks with various other manufacturers about using the module.