Microsoft has yet to announce the existence of a Surface Phone, but a new leak may just put the rumors to rest. Apparently, the tech giant has already filed for a patent for a new fingerprint scanner, which could mean that the Surface Phone is a reality after all.

According to reports, Microsoft has reportedly filed for a patent for an original fingerprint scanner design. This design integrates the scanner in a transparent sheet, taking security up a notch. Since fingerprint scanners are becoming a staple in smartphones these days, it makes sense for the company to jump in on the action.

It should also be noted that the new Surface Phone is going to be sporting higher-end quality and features. Microsoft has made mistakes in the past of releasing new handsets without much change in between. This time around, it looks like the company has made a major overhaul.

As previously reported, rumors have claimed that the upcoming device will come in three models. All of these are high-end handsets, but they do have differing features. One will sport 3 or 4 GB of RAM, 32 GB of internal storage, and will have Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 under the hood. Another will come with 6 GB of RAM and 256 GB of built-in memory. Finally, the third variant will reportedly have 8 GB of RAM and 512 GB of internal memory.

All three smartphones are expected to run on Windows 10, but not all reports agree on this. There are others who claim that an Android operating system is more plausible.

Design-wise, an aluminum and magnesium material will be used to make the case. There will also be a USB Type-C port and liquid cooling technology that will take the smartphone to the next level.

As for the Surface Phone's release date, it is believed that Microsoft will launch it next month at a technical event that they have scheduled. If it isn't revealed in October, then it is expected to be revealed sometime late 2016, with a market release coming in early 2017.

However, since Microsoft has yet to speak up on these rumors, tech enthusiasts should take this news with a grain of salt for now.