Touch ID was a big deal for Apple as it gave the iPhone 5S a major selling point beyond just improved specs, but if a patent that recently appeared is anything to go by Touch ID may just be the beginning.
The patent, which turned up in the World Intellectual Property Organisation database, shows plans by Apple to turn the entire display into a fingerprint sensor.
Being able to tell which finger is touching the screen opens up a lot of possibilities beyond just security. It could be used for application shortcuts, for example swiping your index finger upwards could cause a specific app to launch. The same principle could be applied to games, allowing developers to add extra controls.
Of course a patent doesn't mean this will happen and even if it does it could be years away yet, but it's certainly an idea with a lot of potential.
You've got the touch
The same patent also details plans to turn the home button into a trackpad. Apple would likely use a modified version of the Touch ID sensor to do this, but basically all that's needed is for the sensor to be able to track the movements of your finger as well as the static imprint.
This would then enable you to scroll maps and web pages simply by sliding your finger to one edge of the button, while rotating your finger could perhaps bring up a scroll wheel that could be used to launch apps.
This, if it happens at all, is likely to arrive sooner than the full screen fingerprint scanner and may be enough to tempt Apple to explore bigger screen sizes, as it would make controlling the phone with one hand easier than ever.
- Interested in the ins and outs of Touch ID? Head over here for an in-depth explanation.