Samsung Galaxy S10 could lose one way to unlock your phone

A new rumor suggests Samsung may be eyeing the opportunity to drop the iris scanner from its next flagship phone.

The report from South Korean site ETNews (and flagged by SamMobile) suggests the company won't include the tech on the Samsung Galaxy S10 and may leave an in-display fingerprint scanner as the sole piece of biometric security tech.

It's thought Samsung wants to stretch the screen on its phone out even further, and keeping an iris scanner would block the company from making an improved screen-to-body ratio.

Hello in-display tech

However, while the iris scanner might be going, it's possible that facial recognition will remain, giving you at least one alternative to the fingerprint scanner.

Currently there are three rumored models for the upcoming Galaxy S10 range, with a more affordable version featuring a traditional fingerprint scanner while the other two devices come with the in-display tech.

But it's apparently unlikely that the company will be keeping the iris scanner for the cheaper edition even though it probably won't sport the in-display tech. 

According to other reports, Samsung is putting its front-facing camera under the display to be able to avoid including a notch at the top of the device. If true then presumably this move to drop the iris scanner means it wouldn't work under a display like the selfie camera can.

This may just be the end for the technology that the company introduced on the Galaxy Note 7.

TOPICS
James Peckham

James is the Editor-in-Chief at Android Police. Previously, he was Senior Phones Editor for TechRadar, and he has covered smartphones and the mobile space for the best part of a decade bringing you news on all the big announcements from top manufacturers making mobile phones and other portable gadgets. James is often testing out and reviewing the latest and greatest mobile phones, smartwatches, tablets, virtual reality headsets, fitness trackers and more. He once fell over.

Latest in Samsung Galaxy Phones
Samsung Galaxy A56 display
Samsung’s new budget handsets are getting One UI 7 before the Galaxy S24 Ultra, and I’m as confused as you are
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge on display the January 22, 2025 Galaxy Unpacked event.
New Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge may have revealed some key details – including its price
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra HANDS ON
‘I don't see a space where the S Pen is not a key part of our portfolio’: Samsung executive defends the S Pen amid cancellation rumors
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra with S Pen drawn, demonstrating Circle to Search
Samsung says ‘millions’ are using Galaxy AI regularly, despite surprising survey results
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge on display at Galaxy Unpacked
Exclusive: the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge will have durability to match its ‘sexy’ design
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 in blue
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 could have a Motorola Razr-style full-sized cover screen – and I think it’s about time
Latest in News
Apple's Craig Federighi demonstrates the iPhone Mirroring feature of macOS Sequoia at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024.
Report: iOS 19 and macOS 16 could mark their biggest design overhaul in years – and we have one request
Google Gemini Calendar
Gemini is coming to Google Calendar, here’s how it will work and how to try it now
Lego Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart set on a shelf.
Lego just celebrated Mario Day in the best way possible, with an incredible Mario Kart set that's up for preorder now
TCL QM7K TV on orange background
TCL’s big, bright new mid-range mini-LED TVs have built-in Bang & Olufsen sound
Apple iPhone 16e
Which affordable phone wins the mid-range race: the iPhone 16e, Nothing 3a, or Samsung Galaxy A56? Our latest podcast tells all
An image of a Jackbox Games Party Pack
Jackbox games is coming to smart TVs in mid-2025, and I can’t wait to be reunited with one of my favorite party video games