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!
(via AppleInsider)
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