Do you want to open your car using fingerprint-sensing technology instead of using keys? It could be possible in the future as Apple recently published a patent application of fingerprint-sensing technology, indicating that they are interested in extending it to the automotive industry.
In an article published by Digital Trends, Apple has democratized fingerprint-sensing technology to the world when they first used it in their iPhone 5S model back in 2014. Now, their said innovation in the technology industry was filed back in 2017 but was only published in February 2019.
The news of Apple publishing a patent of the fingerprint-sensing technology was uncovered by an article published in CNET. The application uses an engineering jargon in outlining a "system and method for vehicle authorization".
This outline was said to let motorists lock or unlock a car using technology like Touch ID or Face ID. This proposal could be done with the use of an iPhone device.
The usage of Apple's patent could be imagined by having in-vehicle sensors detecting the car owner's device as he or she comes near to the car. The iPhone device would then ask the driver to show their finger or their face before unlocking the car.
This could also mean that Apple can license the technology to a specific car manufacturer that is seeking to integrate a fingerprint sensor or a facial recognition system directly into an automobile's door. Unlike what was explained before, drivers won't need their phone in opening their car as they would only need their finger on their sensor.
This patent by Apple could possibly solve the recurring problems of thieves trying to unlock and steal cars. Car thieves would have a harder time as the car would not run without the proper finger of facial recognition.
The feature could also be more than just security purposes. The patent could also open an opportunity of controlling the settings of the car by just using their iPhone.
This could mean that users can adjust the temperature, set the music, or fix a certain seat position. Apple could also make it possible that drivers would just use their phone to pay for gas and parking.
Still, these are all just hypothetical and not assured to happen. Apple has yet to give any statement about the patent application.
The usage of fingerprint-sensing technology was adopted by other phone companies like Samsung and Huawei. This technology makes it easier and more efficient for users to access their device.
