How many people use biometric verification in phones? (2024)

How many people use biometric verification in phones? (2024)

Introduction

As of 2024, the adoption of biometric verification in smartphones has seen a significant rise, driven by advancements in technology, increased awareness of security threats, and the growing demand for convenience.

Key Statisitics

  • By 2024, 66% of smartphone owners globally are forcasted to use biometrics for authentication.
  • 81% smartphones in 2022 had biometric capabilities.
  • 90% of smartphones by 2024 are forcasted to include facial recognition capabilities.
  • The global biometric market is expected to reach $74.6 billion by 2027.
  • Use of biometrics can reduce fraud risk by up to 96% in applications like mobile banking.

Sources: PaymentsJournal |BiometricUpdate |BiometricUpdate |WorldMetrics |CompariTech |Oloid |Descope

Note: Some of the data written above is based on forcasts from previous years and is not actual data. It will be replaced with actual data.

The Evolution of Biometric and Adoption

biometric

Biometric verification technology has evolved rapidly over the past decade. Early forms of biometric authentication, such as fingerprint scanning, were limited in their applications and accuracy.

However, advances in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and sensor technology have enabled the development of more sophisticated and reliable biometric systems.

According to PaymentsJournal, 66% of smartphone owners would be using biometrics for authentication in 2024. Moreover, according to a Cisco report 81% of smartphones had biometric capabilities in 2022. This marks a substantial increase from previous years, reflecting the growing trust in and reliance on biometric technologies.

  • Fingerprint Scanning: Fingerprint scanners became mainstream with the launch of the Apple iPhone 5s in 2013. Since then, fingerprint scanning technology has improved significantly, offering faster and more accurate authentication.
  • Facial Recognition: Introduced by Apple with the iPhone X in 2017, facial recognition has become a popular biometric method due to its ease of use and high level of security. By 2024, facial recognition technology is present in 90% of smartphones.
  • Iris Scanning: Iris scanning offers higher accuracy compared to fingerprint and facial recognition. Although it is less common, its adoption is growing due to its non-invasiveness and reliability.
  • Voice Recognition: This method uses unique voice patterns to authenticate users. It is gaining traction in various applications, particularly in the realm of smart assistants and voice-activated devices.

Market Growth and Projections

The global biometric market is projected to reach $74.6 billion by 2027, with the smartphone biometrics market being a significant contributor. Several factors are driving this growth:

  1. Security Concerns: As cyber threats continue to evolve, the need for robust security measures has become paramount. Biometric verification offers a higher level of security compared to traditional methods like PINs and passwords.
  2. Regulatory Requirements: Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are mandating stronger authentication measures, further propelling the adoption of biometric verification.
  3. Technological Advancements: Continuous improvements in AI, machine learning, and sensor technologies are enhancing the accuracy and reliability of biometric systems.
  4. User Convenience: Biometric verification offers a seamless and quick way to unlock devices and authenticate transactions, making it highly appealing to users.

Benefits of Biometric Verification

There are several benifits of biometric verification fueling the motivation to implement it more and more.

  1. Enhanced Security: Biometric verification provides a higher level of security, as it is difficult to replicate a person’s unique biometric traits.
  2. User Convenience: Biometric methods are quick and easy to use, eliminating the need to remember complex passwords.
  3. Reduced Fraud: The use of biometrics in mobile banking apps and other applications can significantly reduce the risk of fraud, with some studies suggesting a reduction of up to 96%.
  4. Multi-Factor Authentication: Biometric verification can be combined with other authentication methods to provide an additional layer of security.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite its benefits, biometric verification faces several challenges:

  1. Privacy Concerns: The collection and storage of biometric data raise significant privacy issues. Users are increasingly concerned about how their biometric information is used and protected.
  2. Data Security: Ensuring that biometric data is securely stored and processed is crucial. Breaches in biometric databases can have severe consequences, as biometric traits cannot be changed like passwords.
  3. Spoofing and Hacking: Advanced techniques can potentially fool biometric systems. Continuous improvements in technology are necessary to stay ahead of such threats.
  4. Accessibility: Not all users may be able to use certain biometric methods due to physical limitations or disabilities. It is essential to provide alternative authentication methods to ensure inclusivity.

Future Trends

The future of biometric verification in smartphones looks promising, with several trends set to shape the landscape:

  1. Multi-Modal Biometrics: Combining multiple biometric methods (e.g., fingerprint and facial recognition) to enhance security and reliability.
  2. Behavioral Biometrics: Analyzing user behavior patterns, such as typing speed and touch dynamics, to provide continuous authentication.
  3. Integration with AI and Machine Learning: Leveraging AI and machine learning to improve the accuracy and efficiency of biometric systems.
  4. Decentralized Biometrics: Storing biometric data on the device itself rather than in centralized databases to enhance security and privacy.

Conclusion

The adoption of biometric verification in smartphones has grown substantially due to advancements in AI, sensor technology, and the increased need for secure, user-friendly authentication methods.

Key forms of biometric verification, including fingerprint, facial, iris, and voice recognition, each offer unique advantages, contributing to enhanced security, convenience, and fraud reduction.

As the global biometric market continues to expand, driven by heightened security concerns, regulatory support, and technological innovation, biometric authentication in smartphones is set to become a standard.

However, challenges related to privacy, data security, and inclusivity remain, underscoring the need for continuous advancements and ethical considerations in biometric solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which countries use facial recognition the most?
According to CompariTech, 83% of the countries use facial recognition technology. Moreover, around 75% of police forces have access to some form of facial recognition technology.
What are the statistics of biometric authentication?
According to Oloid, 81% of consumers consider biometrics a more secure method of identity verification compared to traditional methods.
What is the success rate of biometrics?
According to Descope, fingerprint scans are accurate at least 98% of the time in the least favorable conditions, with peak accuracy reaching up to 99.91%.

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