NEXT Biometrics
has signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with a major player in the smartphone ecosystem, signaling a potential breakthrough in full-screen fingerprint sensor technology. The collaboration focuses on NEXT’s patented display-integrated biometric solution, which aims to enable secure fingerprint sensing across the entire smartphone screen—an innovation that could reshape the mobile authentication landscape.
The announcement marks a strategic shift for NEXT Biometrics as it expands into advanced mobile biometric authentication. While details of the partner remain confidential, CEO Ulf Ritsvall described the initiative as “groundbreaking,” emphasizing its potential to “drive transformative change in the biometric and display industry.” The company is targeting a market of more than 300 million premium smartphones for its new solution.
At the core of the development is NEXT’s Active Thermal technology, which relies on silicon-based PIN diodes and low-temperature polysilicon thin-film transistor (LTPS TFT) arrays to scan fingerprints through heat differentials. Unlike optical or ultrasonic sensors, Active Thermal can provide full-screen coverage at a fraction of the cost—potentially increasing display expenses by only 10–20 percent, significantly less than systems like Apple’s Face ID, which can cost up to $40 per unit. The technology also offers enhanced security, enabling differentiation between identical twins or close relatives, and faster unlocking speeds.
NEXT’s ambitions come amid widespread challenges in commercializing large-area fingerprint sensors. Although companies like IDEX Biometrics and Fingerprint Cards previously pursued similar goals, many have since exited the smartphone market due to technical and economic hurdles. NEXT’s ongoing collaboration with display manufacturer Innolux – a key supplier in the smartphone industry – positions it well to overcome these barriers and accelerate integration into consumer devices.
While the mobile use case is the focus of the current NDA, NEXT’s sensor technology has already proven effective in other sectors. The company’s fingerprint modules have been used in national ID programs, banking, and access control, including a large-scale financial inclusion project in Nigeria and recent deployments in India. These use cases underscore the versatility and scalability of NEXT’s thermal biometric solution.
The race to create full-display fingerprint sensors has been heating up since manufacturers like Vivo introduced larger-area sensors. However, many of these technologies remain limited to single-point interaction zones. NEXT’s solution aims to allow authentication anywhere on the screen, offering a truly seamless user experience.
Despite technical optimism, challenges remain. Full-screen integration must address not only performance and yield rates but also compatibility with emerging foldable and flexible displays. NEXT has acknowledged these complexities and indicated a target timeline for commercialization by 2027. According to Ritsvall, the company will continue evaluations with key industry partners and expects to provide further updates as progress is made.
This development also reflects broader market trends as smartphone makers increasingly seek biometric solutions that balance convenience, security, and cost. While facial recognition remains prominent, fingerprint authentication is regaining momentum due to its resilience in low-light and privacy-sensitive environments. NEXT’s thermal solution positions it as a serious contender in this evolving competitive landscape.
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April 4, 2025 – by Cass Kennedy
