New technology puts smartphone fingerprint reader under the screen

Little wonder: LG Innotek has made a fingerprint reader that fits under a smartphone's protective glass cover.

New technology developed by LG Innotek could revolutionise the smartphones of the future by placing a fingerprint sensor directly under the screen. In other words, there would be no need for a button or raised module to house the fingerprint reader that identifies users.

LG Innotek – a subsidiary of the South Korean group, LG – has developed a fingerprint sensor module that fits under a smartphone's glass cover. With this technology, users can place their finger directly on the display to verify their identity, while the high-resistance glass protects the module from scratches, water and dust. The fingerprint reader is just 0.3mm thick and can be placed at the bottom of the screen, under the protective glass that covers the front of a smartphone.