Fingerprint sensor is coming to the iOS environment this year, set to be introduced via the upcoming iPhone 5S release date and the rumoured iPhone 6, which analysts said will likely rollout in mid-2014.

Ranking PayPal executive Michael Barrett recently hinted that "there is going to be a fingerprint enabled phone on the market later this year," which is a comment that indirectly alluded to the highly speculated new security features for Apple's smartphone lines, BGR News said in a report.

He did not mention Apple but Mr Barrett provided a giveaway when he stressed that "it's widely rumoured that a large technology provider in Cupertino, California will come out with a phone later this year that has a fingerprint reader on it."

Since Apple purchased biometrics security firm AuthenTec last year, talks of advanced security features to protect iPhone users started circulating with analysts insisting that the company's 2013 device lineup will be deployed with fingerprint scanners embedded on the Home button.

Reports also indicate that Apple is so bent in unleashing the killer feature this year that production and distribution calendars of the iPhone 5S were adjusted, hence the delay in the handset's release date.

If true, iPhone 5S with a fingerprint sensor will enhance wireless payment facilities, benefitting firms like PayPal, which is one of the world's leading electronic payment processors.

And fingerprint chip on smartphones, according to Mr Barrett, is not an Apple exclusive. The game-changing technology, he added, is coming to "not just one by multiple (handset platforms).

His statement clearly pointed to the likelihood that Android-powered smartphones will also feature the same capabilities.

Apple is widely rumoured to introduce the iPhone 5S September this year and among the most awaited upgrades it will deliver is better camera features, the new iOS 7 and stronger security through fingerprint sensor.

The latter is also expected to become part of the iPhone 6 serving, which analysts said is scheduled for a June 2014 release date.