Apple has been granted a patent for under-display fingerprint sensing technology that could extend beyond iPhones to Macs and other devices. The patent, titled "Display with localized brightness adjustment capabilities," describes a system where specific pixels flash to illuminate fingerprints for detection while the rest of the screen remains functional.

This technology appears particularly relevant for the rumored iPhone Fold, which reportedly lacks space for Face ID components and may rely on Touch ID instead. While some reports suggest the iPhone Fold might incorporate under-display Touch ID, others predict it will use a side-button approach similar to the iPad Air 4 introduced in 2020. The patent's timing in January 2025 suggests Apple is actively researching this capability rather than relying on older concepts.

The patent drawings show a designated area on the screen for fingerprint detection, though Apple also describes systems where the flash could illuminate any portion of the display where a finger is detected. Notably, the patent doesn't limit this technology to any specific device, mentioning everything from iPads to desktop computers. This broad application suggests Apple sees under-display biometrics as a potential standard feature across its product lineup, not just a solution for space-constrained devices.