Apple brings back Touch ID under the display

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Apple is continuously working on new ways to integrate biometric security into its devices. While Face ID and Touch ID have been integral parts of the Apple ecosystem for years, a newly granted patent reveals that Apple is working on an enhanced form of Touch ID under the display. This isn't just for the iPhone, but a technology that could potentially be extended to multiple device classes.

This topic becomes particularly relevant in connection with the expected iPhone Fold. The foldable iPhone is expected to be extremely thin, which makes the use of Face ID difficult or even impossible. Touch ID is therefore considered a likely alternative. Many reports have so far assumed that Apple is relying on a sensor integrated into the side button, similar to the iPad Air since 2020. However, the current patent suggests that Apple is simultaneously working on a solution where Touch ID is located directly under the screen.

A patent with a technical focus

The patent is titled "Display with localized brightness adjustment functions". At first glance, this sounds like an extension of familiar display features such as True Tone. In fact, however, Apple describes a completely different concept. Certain pixels of the display can selectively light up to illuminate a finger placed on it. The light reflected from the finger is then captured by integrated light sensors that recognize the fingerprint.

Apple explains that the device can have a number of components, including light sensors that capture fingerprints through transparent windows in the display. The control circuitry instructs the display to activate specific pixels to illuminate the finger, while the sensors analyze the reflected light.

Difference to previous solutions

This technology is not comparable to familiar features like Photo Booth on the Mac or the so-called Retina Flash, which was first used for selfies on the iPhone 6s. In those cases, the entire screen is briefly illuminated. The new patent explicitly clarifies that the entire display does not necessarily have to light up.

Instead, the screen remains readable and continues to display content during fingerprint recognition. Only a specific area briefly flashes to illuminate the finger. While the patent also mentions scenarios in which the entire display emits light, these refer to special cases, such as when the precise area of the finger first needs to be recognized.

Flexible or fixed sensor areas

A key aspect of the patent is the question of where the finger can be placed. In one described variant, the system first recognizes the finger's position. Then, precisely that area, or if necessary, the entire display, is illuminated. This would mean that Touch ID could function virtually anywhere on the screen.

Alternatively, Apple describes a configuration with a fixed sensor area in the display. In this case, a light sensor array occupies a specific portion of the screen. This area would need to be clearly visible to the user. Additionally, the surrounding pixels that overlap the sensor could also light up to improve detection accuracy.

Use on various devices

It is noteworthy that the patent is not limited to a single product. Apple explicitly mentions a wide variety of possible devices, including iPads, mobile phones, displays, media players, and even desktop computers. The illustrations in the patent also consist primarily of general circuit diagrams and timing diagrams that are applicable to virtually any Apple display.

This makes it clear that Touch ID under the display is not exclusively intended for the iPhone, but can be understood as a cross-platform technology.

Connection with iPhone Fold and Mac

Touch ID is considered particularly likely for the iPhone Fold, as there might not be enough space for Face ID. The patent could explain the conflicting reports and leaks about whether the sensor will be located in the side button or under the display. It's also conceivable that Apple is researching this technology but not implementing it directly in the first generation of the iPhone Fold.

The situation is different with Macs. Current MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models already feature Touch ID in the keyboard. Apple also offers keyboards with an integrated sensor for desktop Macs. From a purely technical standpoint, there's no need to move Touch ID to the display. Nevertheless, the patent was only filed in January 2025 and is therefore not an outdated idea.

In addition, Apple filed another patent in July 2025 describing a Face ID system specifically for Macs. This shows that Apple is pursuing several biometric approaches in parallel and is deliberately keeping its options open.

Apple is thinking of Touch ID under the display as a cross-device solution

The current patent makes it clear that Apple is working intensively on in-display Touch ID and doesn't intend this technology for just one device. The approach is gaining particular importance in connection with the iPhone Fold, but could also become relevant for the iPad or Mac in the long term. Whether and when in-display Touch ID will actually appear in an Apple product remains to be seen. However, it's clear that Apple is thinking ahead about biometric security and doesn't consider existing solutions to be the final word. (Image: Shutterstock / TeeStocker)