Apple's next generation iPhone, the Apple iPhone 8, is still at least six months away from being unveiled. Despite its relatively far away unveiling, numerous rumors and speculations have surfaced that have all tried to predict the possible features that will be coming. Now, a recently awarded Apple patent seems to have confirmed one likely feature that directly involves its highly rumored bezel-less display.

According to a report from 9to5Mac, the United States Patent and Trademark Office just recently awarded Apple a new patent this week. The patent involves a new type of fingerprint sensor that uses ultrasonic imaging. The iPhone 8 has long been rumored to be coming with an all-screen design that will eliminate the home button. However, Apple is not likely to give up its revolutionary Touch ID feature just so users can have a larger screen real estate.

The new technology seemingly eliminates that problem by allowing the company to directly embed the fingerprint sensor under the display itself. The patent application, labeled by the company as its new "Biometric sensing device with discrete ultrasonic transducers," can apparently be placed anywhere on the phone. While the sensor can be placed within a traditional home button, its biggest advantage is that it will still be able to function despite having different materials directly blocking it.

The sensor is able to read a user's fingerprint by sending out a sound wave pulse and then reading back its reflection. Due to the uniqueness of each individual's fingerprint, each reflection will be unique as well.

As per a report from UberGizmo, the new system is also quite accurate as it will be able to perform its function despite contaminants or pressure differences. This basically means that the ultrasonic transducers will be able to pick up the user's fingerprints even if there is moisture or even without ample pressure. It is not yet clear if the new sensor type will be making it to the iPhone 8 this year, but it is good to know that Apple is exploring different technologies to allow it to radically change its next product.