A string of code from iOS
7 revealing 'a fingerprint that changes colour during the setup process' was
posted online yesterday, sparking rumours that the new iPhone could contain a
fingerprint sensor.
If the rumours are true,
the latest iPhone will be the first Apple product
to feature such a sensor, which could be used for unlocking the homescreen or
confirming identity for payment from the App Store or other outlets. Any sensor
would likely be embedded into the physical home button.
Earlier this year it was
reported that a supply chain source in Taiwan said Apple had been forced to
delay production of the next iPhone due to failure to find a coating material
that did not interfere with the fingerprint sensor.
Fingerprint sensors have
not been widely utilised across smartphones in the past. Motorola released the
Atrix 4G in 2011 which featured a biometric fingerprint sensor it claimed
offered a level of security surpassing password or PIN locks. Customers
reported mixed levels of success with the scanner, with many saying the sensor
failed to recognise their fingerprint. Other digital security systems include
the Samsung Galaxy
S3's Face Unlock feature, and in the future it's likely phones will unlock upon
recognition of its owner's voice.
Last year Apple purchased
mobile and network security company AuthenTec for $356m, which produces
hardware including fingerprint sensors, fuelling further speculation about the
sensor's introduction into future Apple products.
The latest iPhone is
expected to be released in September, though it is still unknown whether it
will be known as the iPhone 5S or iPhone 6. Apple is also believed to be near
to announcing the release of a 'budget' iPhone designed to target the emerging smartphone
markets in China and India. The model is likely to feature a plastic interface
instead of aluminium, and could retail for as little as $99.
Other rumoured features
of the next model include an A7 processor, heightened Siri voice recognition
facilities and an improved camera system.
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