Future Apple iPhones might arrive with larger screens that could have Touch ID fingerprint reader and antennas embedded into the display. This could offer better WiFi and cellular connectivity and boost reception for the company’s devices.
According to an AppleInsider report, the Cupertino based giant might be working on offering its users better signal reception while still providing a secure user authentication system as well. This would also lead to thinner bezels and notches, offering more screen estate to its customers. The company could achieve this by having both the Touch ID and antennas being housed under the display.
In the past, it was reported on multiple occasions that Apple is working on an in display fingerprint reader for its Touch ID system. Various patents had surfaced over the course of last year, which touched on topics like acoustic imaging, infrared, and more. Furthermore, these features have also been subject to many rumors and claims from known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and his leaks on Twitter.
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Apart from Touch ID being housed under the display, the company has also applied for related patents that cover using these layers to house an RF antenna into the display. Since signals require the WiFi and cellular antennas to be exposed, having one that takes up an entire side over a single thin band is better for the connectivity and reception for the device. This was described in Apple’s recent patent titled, “Display Integratable Hybrid Transparent Antenna.”
The patent application reads, “Today’s wireless systems (smart watches or other devices with a predominant display feature, for example) are striving to achieve an edge-to-edge display with a smaller bezel or bezel-less display solution. Especially for wearable devices, such as smart watches, smart glasses, or smart health-related monitoring devices, the display is small and the number of wireless radios (e.g., Bluetooth, GPS, WiFi, 3G/4G/LTE, FM, and so forth) that need to be supported and the related antennas is increasing.”
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