Samsung At CES 2018: Galaxy S9 On-Screen Fingerprint Scanner Ready?

There are many conflicting rumors about whether the Galaxy S9 will feature an on-screen fingerprint sensor; however, a new patent, recently discovered by tech blog, Talk Android, indicates that Samsung is still working on the biometrics technology, despite many setbacks in its release.

The patent, which is listed on the World Intellectual Property Organisation website details how finger pressure and placement duration enables authentication. With the technology, a display may have up to 12 pressure points to enable various functions, such as accessing applications, contacts, and messages, in addition to unlocking and authenticating features.

Many rumors currently lean toward the Galaxy S9 not featuring a display embedded fingerprint sensor. A recent concept leak shows the Galaxy S9 with a rear-facing fingerprint sensor that is located in a centered area below the device’s camera module. Devices such as the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy Note 8 feature rear-facing fingerprint sensors to the right of the camera module. Recent reports also indicate Samsung may be working with a new supplier for its capacitive fingerprint sensor.

Pundits believe Samsung may have display embedded fingerprint sensors ready in time for the Galaxy Note 9 release, later in 2018. There is news that Samsung has been in talks with suppliers including Synaptics and BeyondEyes, Samsung LSI and Egis to provide display embedded sensors for the smartphone.

There have also been rumors that the Galaxy S9 could release as early as January during CES 2018; however, Talk Android noted that Samsung may be showcasing the device to its investors during this time, not unveiling the smartphone to the public. Samsung has more commonly released its Galaxy S flagships in the February timeframe, just ahead of Mobile World Congress. Most recently, Samsung announced the Galaxy S8 in a standalone event in late March.