The current generation of Samsung flagships lack an important feature that the previous generations have, which is the iris scanner. That said, the Korean tech giant is still supporting the feature, at least for the previous generation devices. As part of the Android 10 One UI 2.0 beta, the company has updated the iris scanner for the Galaxy S9 and Note 9 to be compatible with Google’s biometric API.
Users in Reddit have noticed that the beta program allowed them to use the iris scanner with other apps that also use Android 10’s biometrics system. Prior to this, Samsung’s iris scanners mainly worked to unlock the phone or in other Samsung-specific features. Now, it’s a lot more general purpose, which may see increased use of the feature.
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Unfortunately, the Android 10 biometric API will likely not make it to the older flagships. According to the company’s Android 10 roadmap, the Galaxy S8 and Note 8 will not be getting the update.
Speaking of which, the Android 10 One UI 2.0 is expected to be released in January next year for the Samsung Galaxy S9 and Note 9. If you’re using the Galaxy S10, you should already have the update. The Galaxy Note 10 hasn’t just yet, but we’d say it will get the update before the previous generation flagships.
(Source: Reddit via Android Police)
