The next launch of a brand new iPhone is a few months away but a new patent has popped up that may give us a hint about a new feature. Ever since iPhone X was announced, Apple phased out the Touch ID biometric system in favour for an edge-to-edge design. We still got to see the feature on the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus. However, it was later replaced by FaceID on the iPhone XR. 

© Apple

The iPhone XS and XS Max uses the same FaceID unlock system as its predecessor but a notable feature was missing. It seems like Apple is now looking to bring back TouchID according to the patent. The Cupertino giant is developing a fingerprint sensor that lets users unlock the smartphone by touching anywhere on the screen. The patent was granted to Apple earlier this week and was spotted by Patently Apple. 

© Patently Apple

It would be a cool new feature if seen on the upcoming iPhone 11 and we have something similar to Apple's version developed by Vivo for a concept phone. The patent calls Apple's version as an "acoustic imaging system”. Another weird feature spotted in the same patent was the new sensor's ability to map a user's ear. The system would simply map your ear and unlock the smartphone for seamless call answering and other features. 

As usual, patents don't really translate to a final product every time and we would not keep our hopes high until its fully revealed or made official by Apple. We sincerely hope this feature does come to the iPhone 11 as many users still prefer to unlock smartphones with a fingerprint or at least want the option. 

Source: Patently Apple