The published patent also includes photos of a working prototype of the new hardware. This suggests that Apple is getting close to actually implementing the new tech in its upcoming devices.
It also looks like the tech described by Apple’s patent won’t need precise placement of the finger for the prints to be read. This is unlike most other current implementations of the in-display fingerprint sensor, which requires rather precise finger placement. All that said, it doesn’t looks like new Touch ID tech will be making it in time to be part of this year’s iPhones. Forbes speculates that it is more likely to make its way into the devices of 2020. (Source: Patently Apple via Forbes)
