Another report is today suggesting that one of the major new features to be included in the iPhone 5S is an integrated fingerprint sensor for biometric user authentication. Following on from previous reports that Apple is looking to fingerprint sensor technology for its mobile devices, China Times (via Macotakara) is saying that the new fingerprint sensing technology in the iPhone 5S will enable heightened security for new Near Field Communications (NFC) technology that will also appear in the device and can be used for mobile payments.
The report suggests that Chipbond will be the dedicated manufacturer for the processor chips that will be used to enable the new NFC and fingerprint recognition technologies. This follows on from claims by KGI Securities analyst Ming Chi Kuo who has suggested that the iPhone 5S would be announced at an Apple event in June and then go on sale in July. The analyst was among the first to claim that the iPhone 5S will have a fingerprint recognition sensor placed underneath the Home button.
Apple purchased fingerprint sensor company Authentec for $356 million in July last year, prompting rumors that the company would be using their technologies for fingerprint recognition in future devices. The rumor of Apple including NFC in the iPhone has been circulating for several years but has, as yet, not been included and it is unclear if it ever will, particularly given the lack of standardized technologies surrounding NFC payment procedures.
Point Your Finger And…