Next Biometrics has achieved a major milestone with the grant of a new U.S. patent that could redefine mobile security worldwide. The company received U.S. Patent No. 12,471,807 for an advanced full-screen fingerprint-on-display system designed for next-generation smartphones. The innovation, highlighted by Biometric Update, introduces a powerful method that enables biometric authentication across an entire screen rather than a limited sensor area.
The patented technology integrates a micro-heater and a micro-temperature sensor directly within or adjacent to display pixels. This design enables active-thermal fingerprint detection, a cutting-edge technique that reads the unique heat transfer patterns of a user’s fingerprint. Unlike traditional optical or capacitive sensors, this method relies on thermal behavior to create a detailed, high-contrast fingerprint map.
According to Next Biometrics, the system captures precise thermal signatures when a finger touches the screen. Ridges and valleys create different heat pathways, forming a unique thermal fingerprint pattern. The technology also supports 3D imaging, which enhances accuracy and strengthens spoof resistance. With this dual mechanism, devices can achieve improved liveness detection, reducing the risk of fake fingerprint attacks—one of the biggest challenges in biometric security.
The company notes that the new sensor can be applied in both in-cell and out-cell configurations. This flexibility means smartphone makers can integrate the technology into a wide range of display architectures. In practical terms, smartphone users could unlock their devices by touching any point on the screen, marking a dramatic shift from current fingerprint-on-display systems that work only in small, predefined zones.
In a statement published on the official Next Biometrics website, the company emphasized that the innovation delivers several benefits. First, it boosts speed and reliability. Active-thermal sensing operates consistently in various lighting environments, unlike optical sensors that struggle in bright or direct light. Second, it reduces power consumption, making it energy-efficient for mobile devices. Third, it enhances durability because the sensor relies on thermal detection rather than fragile optical components.
This patent also follows the company’s earlier collaborative efforts with a major smartphone manufacturer. In recent months, Next Biometrics signed a confidential agreement with what it described as a “leading global smartphone brand.” Although the company has not disclosed the partner, analysts believe that onboarding such a high-profile manufacturer could accelerate the technology’s adoption. The new patent strengthens that possibility by protecting the core intellectual property behind the system.
With this latest achievement, Next Biometrics expands its intellectual property portfolio to 22 patents, reinforcing its position as a global innovator in secure identity technologies. Over the past two decades, the company has shipped more than 10 million fingerprint sensors worldwide. Its products are already certified under major global identity frameworks, including Aadhaar, MOSIP, and FBI-PIV standards.
Security experts say the new patent arrives at a critical time for the smartphone industry. Users are increasingly demanding seamless authentication experiences, and manufacturers are seeking more secure and intuitive alternatives. Full-screen fingerprint authentication offers both. It eliminates the need for dedicated sensor areas and provides greater flexibility for phone design. With this innovation, manufacturers could create edge-to-edge displays without sacrificing biometric performance.
Industry analysts also highlight that Next Biometrics’ active-thermal solution addresses several weaknesses found in current under-display sensors. Optical sensors often fail with wet or oily fingers. Ultrasonic sensors, though more advanced, face limitations in speed and cost. A full-screen thermal sensor delivers faster recognition, improved moisture tolerance, and lower risk of spoofing—all while being easier to integrate into modern OLED and LCD panels.
Reports from Biometric Update suggest that full-screen fingerprint technology has been a long-standing ambition across the mobile industry. Several smartphone companies, including major Chinese manufacturers, previously explored similar ideas but struggled with cost, reliability, and mass-production challenges. Next Biometrics’ patented system promises a more practical and scalable solution.
Looking ahead, the company sees vast market potential. Beyond smartphones, full-screen fingerprint interfaces could be used in tablets, laptops, point-of-sale terminals, and secure enterprise devices. The technology can also support applications in national identity systems, border control devices, and secure access systems—areas where Next Biometrics already has an established presence.
However, questions remain. The industry will closely watch how quickly smartphone manufacturers begin adopting the technology. Partners will need to validate performance, integrate software protocols, and ensure compatibility with operating systems such as Android. Mass production scalability and cost optimization will also play crucial roles in determining market success.
Despite these challenges, the company’s leadership is confident. Executives described the patent as a “transformative breakthrough” and expressed optimism that it will “reshape the future of mobile authentication.” They reaffirmed their commitment to delivering secure, intuitive, and cost-effective biometric solutions for global markets.
As digital identity systems expand and mobile payments continue rising, the demand for powerful biometric technologies is increasing rapidly. Next Biometrics’ new thermal-based, full-screen fingerprint system could emerge as a defining innovation in that landscape. With a robust patent in place, industry partnerships forming, and strong commercial momentum, the company appears well-positioned to lead the next wave of biometric evolution.