LG Innotek introduced a new fingerprint module that lies seamlessly under the smartphone's glass display screen. This will allow handset owners to make mobile payments through Android Pay or Apple Pay without using a physical button. Phone manufacturers can thus provide the security and functionality benefits of fingerprint sensors without sacrificing the handset's design.

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The South Korean conglomerate developed the new tech by making a small groove 0.3 millimeters (0.01 inches) on the screen's underside, according to Tech Radar. It then used a custom adhesive to attach the fingerprint sensor to the glass screen.

The new sensor provides a bigger roaming area for fingertips than a standard home button. This allows smartphone owners to place their fingers anywhere on the display for instant identification, according to PC Mag.    

The new tech will allow sleeker phones with cleaner aesthetics. Handset owners will not have to deal with a depressed circle or raised square at the bottom of the touchscreen.    

LG points out that putting the sensor under the display does not reduce the fingerprint reader's performance. It notes that the false acceptance rate is only 0.002 percent.

The tech company mentions several benefits of the under-glass fingerprint scanner. However, the biggest benefit will be building scratch-proof or waterproof screens that provide a biometric security system.  

LG stated in a press release that the company believes consumer demand for finger recognition tech will spike due to a larger mobile payment market. Market research firm HIS reports that 499 million sensors were sold worldwide last year. That figure is expected to double by 2020.   

LG Innotek has not announced when the new smartphone sensor will be available. However, an LG spokesperson told the Korean Times that it is working with phone manufacturers to sell the new technology within the next year.

In related news, LG's new flagship G5 smartphone has a $150 price tag at Best Buy. The handset's fingerprint scanner is located on the back of the phone while the volume buttons have been placed on the side.

The small and sleek phone features snap-on accessories. LG has made it possible to remove the bottom of the smartphone to add a removable battery to the unibody-like metal device. 

Here's LG's V10 fingerprint scanner: