Apple patent shows remote control with Touch ID

Apple has applied for a patent for a technique for adding the fingerprint scanner Touch ID to a remote control. This could be used for the Apple TV, but the description shows that connection with all kinds of household equipment is also being considered.

The patent application in question was discovered by Patently Apple, a site dedicated to searching for patents filed by Apple. The patent describes a technique for linking Touch ID to a remote control for the Apple TV. This should make it possible, for example, to recognize individual users, for example to automatically load preference settings. It can also prevent, for example, children from using the device, and the fingerprint can be used to confirm purchases.

Although the Apple TV, and the television itself, are mentioned as an example, the described remote control could also be used more widely. For example, other devices must also be able to be operated with Touch ID. One example is opening a garage door through a fingerprint scan. Furthermore, the necessary household appliances are set up as examples, including fans, heating and kitchen equipment.

Apple isn’t just thinking about using fingerprints to identify individual users. In theory, the concept could also be applied with other biometric features. The Cupertino company gives a number of examples in its patent, such as an iris scan. However, it is not clear what such a remote control should look like.

As usual, it is unclear whether any product described in the patent is actually being worked on. However, Apple has been trying to use its Touch ID more widely for some time: for example, the fingerprint scanner is also available on iPads after iPhones. As a result, the use of Touch ID on other products is not inconceivable.

The Touch ID sensor on an iPhone 5s.