Apple Patent Details Biometric Security Features for iPhone

A new patent details how Apple is looking to implement biometric security features such as fingerprint reading and facial or eye recognition in its future devices.

Patently Apple notes that "the race is definitely on to get consumers ready for the next wave of e-Commerce transactions and to ensure that they're processed securely."

Interestingly, Apple plans to hide these components behind a window that change from opaque to transparent letting them appear and disappear as needed.


The present disclosure generally relates to techniques for concealing components of an electronic device behind a window that can change between opaque and transparent configurations, such as a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) window. Since such a window may be hidden behind a transparent display or color-matched to seamlessly integrate into an enclosure of the electronic device, the components may remain hidden from view while not in use. When desired, the electronic device may expose the concealed components by causing the electronic window to change opacity, allowing the components to suddenly appear as from out of nowhere. In accordance with one embodiment, an electronic device may include a window with a component of the electronic device disposed behind the window. Upon detecting an event associated with the component, a window controller may make transparent, or "open," the window to expose the component.

The patent also details how fingerprint or iris detection might work. For example, if you attempt to slide-to-unlock the device and authentication is required, you could be prompted to confirm you identity by placing your finder on a scanner next to the home button before being allowed to access the device.

Apple recently acquired AuthenTec a provider of fingerprint security solutions for $356 million. Many believe that we could see this technology in the next release of the iPhone.

Read More