In 2018, smartphone manufacturers will release more than 1 billion smartphones with fingerprint sensors, analysts predict Counterpoint Research. According to experts, in the near future, fingerprint scanners will be the main way of authenticating users in modern communicators. The wide introduction of this function is also promoted by the growing popularity of mobile payment and banking services, for which a reliable system of owner recognition is needed.

According to Counterpoint, in 2017 the penetration rate of fingerprint sensors in smartphones will be 51%, and in a year will grow to 71%. Counterpoint scientist Parv Sharma clarifies that in 2018 the recognition function for the papillary pattern will be present in almost three of the four devices on the market. Given the changes in the design of smartphones and the growing popularity of frameless models, the expert expects the introduction of more advanced technologies using ultrasonic and optical fingerprint scanners that can be placed under the display and are able to work even in water.

Also, experts believe that from next year fingerprint sensors will be used more widely in devices of medium and low price categories. This will be possible due to increased production and lower cost of fingerprint sensors, and gradually they will become one of the integral components of smartphones.

The largest manufacturer of smartphones with fingerprint sensors, analysts called Samsung, whose share in the market for devices with this function in the second quarter of 2017 was 12%. The top three also include Apple and Huawei, whose contribution is estimated at 11% and 8% respectively. At the same time, in terms of the introduction of fingerprint scanners in the product range, Apple ranks first, followed by Chinese manufacturers Xiaomi, Huawei and Oppo. Also, experts added that Samsung, ZTE and LG lagged behind their competitors in the number of models with the possibility of fingerprinting in the total volume of manufactured smartphones.

According to Counterpoint, two leading manufacturers of fingerprint scanners for smartphones today are Fingerprints and Synaptics & Goodix: together these companies provide more than half of the total supply of fingerprint sensors. However, experts note the growing competition from other players and in the coming quarters expect the strengthening of the positions of such vendors as Qualcomm, eGIS and Silead.