Fingerprint sensors are starting to look like the new must-have smartphone feature as Korean firm Pantech launches its first, ahead of the long-rumored fingerprint sensor for the iPhone 5S.
There have also been conflicting rumors that the LG G2, due for launch tomorrow, will or won’t have a fingerprint sensor – we’ll soon find out.
A fingerprint sensor first appeared in early models of the Motorola Atrix 2 back in 2011, but was later removed by Motorola.
If you’ve never heard of Pantech, by the way, that’s because it makes phones almost exclusively for its domestic Korean market, where it’s actually second only to Samsung (but ahead of LG).
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel
I am pretty sure that the Motorola Atrix had a fingerprint sensor two years ago
Just to point out the moto Atrix had one a few years ago…
Thanks, Jake. It actually only appeared in the pre-production model, but I’ve updated the piece to include this info.
My roommate had a Motorola Atrix and it certainly did have a fingerprint sensor. I doubt he had a pre-production model :)
Um no how about first seen on the Motorola Atrix 2 years ago. And of course people have heard of pantech. They have been making crappy feature phones for years that were sold on att.
The Motorola Atrix 4G had a fingerprint scanner in 2012. This Pantech phone looks cool and all, but it certainly isn’t “the world’s first”.
Crucialtec is providing the biometric fingerprint module. They are heading towards the wearable market with their navigation control for small screens.