iPhone 5S Might Include A Finger-Print Sensor Under The Home Button [Rumour]

Of all the far-fetched rumors we’ve been fed of the purported “iPhone 5S” these past few weeks, this latest one really takes the biscuit. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities foresees the Apple’s purchase of AuthenTec paying dividends with the seventh-gen smartphone, with the Cupertino finding a way of implementing some description of fingerprint sensor into the home button.

Although the so-called 5S is expected to pack in a faster processor and enhance performance over the current, dual-core A6 handset, it has long since been noted that Apple will need a gimmick, perhaps akin to Siri, in order to give iPhone fans a reason to upgrade. Not only would the fingerprint sensor undoubtedly add a neat security aspect in replacing the current passcode system, but it would, according to Kuo, also allow Apple to keep its “minimalist design.”

Kuo seems to be under the impression that the fingerprint sensor will be situated below the iPhone’s home button. He also believes that the fingerprint scanner will house the ability to integrate with iOS applications such as Passbook, in order to heighten both security and functionality.

At this point in time, I would say the possibility of finger scanning technology is a long shot. Then again, Kuo – unlike analysts such as Peter Misek, who has a reputation for getting things wrong – has a pretty strong record in accurately forecasting Apple products, so it will be interesting to see what shape the rumor mill takes following this revelation.

As far as the design, Kuo doesn’t go against the grain, echoing the rumors of others that the overall look and feel of the iPhone 5S will remain almost identical to the iPhone 5. While some doubt whether an identical, modest refresh will capture the imagination of the iPhone-using faithful, it’s worth pointing out that Apple’s iPhone 4S did manage to sell in large numbers, despite taking the same shape as its predecessor, the iPhone 4.

Is the market ready for a finger-scanning, sci-fi like implementation? More importantly, is Apple ready to bring it to the forefront of its product range? Please share your thoughts by dropping us a comment via the usual mediums below! [RedmondPie]

You can follow me on Twitter, add me to your circles on Google+ or Subscribe to me on FaceBook or YouTube. You can also check my Website and Blog to keep yourself updated with what is happening in the ever changing world of technology

Second Report Puts The iPhone 5S Release Date Around June 2013

The iPhone 5 wasn’t released all that long ago, but increasingly reports are saying a follow-up could come sooner rather than later. Today, Jeffries analyst Peter Misek said in a report that his supply chain checks anticipate a launch in June/July with a March production start date. The report backs up an earlier claim from Topeka analyst Brian White, who said at the start of January that an iPhone 5S will begin production in March or April for a May/June launch.

These reports are still just analyst predictions, based on research culled from supply chain sources and other channels but generally not sourced from Apple directly, but the fact that they agree so closely on the anticipated timeframe for launch is an indicator that there could be more here than just idle speculation. Misek had previously predicted that an iPhone 5S could launch sometime in mid-year 2013, though at the time he didn’t discuss any more specific timeframe than that. Misek added that he has seen info that points to two iPhone 5S prototypes being tested, but thinks that one could in fact represent a new low-cost device, like the one that was reported as in development by the Wall Street Journal last week.

In terms of device specific, Misek didn’t have much to add, except to clarify that he’s no longer seeing evidence of a 4.8-inch screen on the upcoming device, as he mentioned in his report last month. It’s probably a safe bet to assume that if Apple is planning a mid-year refresh, it won’t go messing around with screen resolution, if only to make the issue of developer fragmentation less acute than it already is.

Analyst predictions are far from consistently accurate, but the fact that at least two are now receiving similar info about a potential iPhone 5S is noteworthy. As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, the yearly update cycle might no longer be an adequate way to operate in the smartphone market, given the increase in competition from Samsung and its much more varied product line. A mid-season update makes a lot of sense, but it’s early days yet to be counting any chickens. [TechCrunch]

You can follow me on Twitter, add me to your circles on Google+ or Subscribe to me on FaceBook or YouTube. You can also check my Website and Blog to keep yourself updated with what is happening in the ever changing world of technology