iPhone 5S to Sport a Convex Sapphire Home Button Embedded with Fingerprint Sensor on Release Date – Analyst
Sept 10 is the supposed iPhone 5S release date and the new iOS 7 smartphone will definitely come with a fingerprint scanner that is implanted with its structurally-revised Home button, a new report said.
Apple engineers, according to KGI Securities analyst Ming-chi Kuo, have reworked the iconic iPhone Home key for the 5S in order to accommodate the inclusion of a new gadget security mechanism that earlier reports referred to as fingerprint sensor.
This new technology, Mr Kuo said, is one of the so-called killer features that the upcoming Apple mobile phone will bring to the table. And in order to effectively insert the sensor package underneath the control button, the Home key is now slightly convex.
The manoeuvre, he added, provided room for the sensor without giving up space deep inside the 5S.
In his latest research note first reported by Apple Insider, Mr Kuo echoed earlier reports that the restructured Home button will be protected by a sapphire coating, noting that it offers better protection against dents and scratches.
He called the new Home button design plus its new build materials as the optimal fit for the 5S as the gadget will maintain its intuitive functions despite the introduction of fresh and cutting-edge features.
"With a single home button, consumers are less likely to be confused as to where to place their finger for scanning," said the same Apple Insider report.
Mr Kuo is convinced that with fingerprint scanner, the iPhone 5S will easily edge out its Android and Windows rivals in terms of delivering innovative features. Aside from providing tougher security for future 5S owners, the embedded sensor is also seen to facilitate wireless payment and cloud computing access with fewer worries on security.
It should be noted that Apple watchers have been harping about the prospect of biometrics security in future iPhone builds following the tech giant's acquisition of AuthenTec in 2012. Apple, however, remains silent on the matter.
Nonetheless, analysts are certain that component upgrades like the fingerprint sensor and killer features will be part of the whole iPhone 5S on release date, which according to AllThingsD will likely occur on Sept 10.
The iPhone 5C or iPhone Lite is also expected to be unwrapped on the same day and both gadgets will be powered by the simplified and more powerful iOS 7.