With the iPhone 5S repeatedly rumoured to play host to a fingerprint scanner, latest reports have suggested Apple could also be keen to bring the technology to its heavily rumoured Apple iWatch device.
Looking to help improve security of its portable devices, industry analysts have predicted that Apple will include a fingerprint scanner as the defining feature of the iPhone 5S when the handset lands later this year. The industry experts added that, following launch on the iPhone 5 follow-on, the fingerprint reading technology could be rolled out across further product lines.
Having reportedly met with a component supplier on a recent tour of China and Taiwan, Topeka Capital Markets analyst Brian White has suggested that both the iPhone 5S and mooted Apple iWatch will incorporate fingerprint identification technology direct from the box, a move intended to assist “essential security purposes.”
Making the prediction in a recent note to investors, White has suggested that “early signs of movement in the supply chain” have hinted that the technology will also make its way to Apple’s first wearable gadget, the Apple iWatch.
Far from the gaudy strip readers found on some laptops, it has been suggested that Apple will fit discrete fingerprint readers beneath the iPhone 5S’ home button or touchscreen panel. What’s more, having acquired smart sensor specialist AuthenTec last year in a deal worth $356 million, Apple is in prime position to introduce such features.
More than a mere gimmick, it has been suggested that the potential iPhone 5S and iWatch bound fingerprint scanner will offer improved security and user experiences in a number of situations, namely when utilising upcoming NFC connectivity features to make wireless payments on the move.
Apple iWatch Rumours
Long the thing of rumour and speculation, the Apple iWatch will reportedly make it to market later this year with an autumn iWatch release date seemingly on the cards.
Tipped to feature a compact 1.5-inch touchscreen display, similar to that of past iPod nano models, recent reports have hinted that the device will allow wearers to receive instant text, messaging and incoming call alerts from their Bluetooth connected iPhones.
Not a launch that Apple is taking lightly, the Cupertino company is said to have assigned a 100-strong team to the Apple iWatch launch, including “managers, members of the marketing group, and software and hardware engineers who previously worked on the iPhone and iPad.”
Via: AppleInsider
