Samsung is gearing up to launch its latest foldable phones, the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Flip6, but whispers of the future are already here. According to a new report, the Korean tech giant might be working on integrating full-screen fingerprint sensor technology for its upcoming foldable devices.

This is a significant development, especially considering Samsung’s current approach to fingerprint scanners on its foldables. Unlike most modern smartphones with under-display fingerprint sensors, Samsung’s existing Galaxy Z series relies on a side-mounted sensor embedded in the power button.

While this placement might seem like a logical solution at first glance, it has its drawbacks. The single sensor only allows you to unlock the phone when it’s folded or unfolded in a specific way. Reaching the power button on the unfolded Fold’s large screen can be inconvenient, especially for one-handed users.

This is where the full-screen fingerprint sensor comes in. Leaked information suggests Samsung is planning to revolutionize fingerprint recognition on foldables. A recent collaboration between tipster David Kowalski and tech publication Thenerdstash revealed a Samsung patent (PDF) for this technology.

The concept is simple yet powerful: fingerprint recognition wouldn’t be restricted to a designated area on the screen. Instead, imagine unlocking your phone by simply touching anywhere on the display. This functionality would be a major leap forward in terms of user convenience, especially for larger foldable and rollable displays.

The patent documentation also hints at the broader applicability of this technology. While under-display fingerprint sensors are becoming increasingly common, they might not be the ideal solution for the expansive displays of foldables and rollables. A full-screen fingerprint sensor would eliminate this limitation, allowing users to unlock their devices with a simple touch anywhere on the screen.

It’s important to remember that this is still based on a patent filing, and there’s no guarantee Samsung will implement this technology in its upcoming devices. However, it does offer a glimpse into the future of foldable phones and how Samsung might be looking to address current limitations and provide a more intuitive user experience.