Adding to previous rumours around the area, a newly advertised job listing has suggested Apple is planning on bringing fingerprint scanner technologies to future iDevices, such as the iPhone 6.
With a flurry of recent Apple rumours hinting that the Cupertino based company would be bringing fingerprint sensor tech to upcoming product lines, a move that would aid in personal security, the tech giant has now started looking for a new software engineer to work in the area.
Having recently acquired fingerprint technology specialist AuthenTech, Apple has revealed it is now on the hunt for a software engineer to join its ranks, and be based out in Melbourne on Florida’s Space Coast, the location for AuthenTech’s base.
Although failing to specifically label fingerprint sensors outright, the job listing specifies that applicants must have experience in hardware and firmware integration, as well as be able to write “low-level code to configure and control hardware.”
Offering further indication as to the nature of the role, Apple has revealed the successful applicant will work with LabTool software, a programme used for developing sensor integrated circuits.
Previously mooted to be introduced on this year’s expected iPhone 5S release, it has been suggested that Apple could add fingerprint sensors to a range of forthcoming products, including the iPhone 6 and heavily rumoured iWatch device.
According to Topeka Capital Markets analyst Brian White, Apple will introduce the fingerprint scanner technologies for “essential security purposes” such as allowing for safer NFC payment integration. He cited “early signs of movement in the supply chain” in suggesting fingerprint identification could be added to the first Apple products by the end of the year.
Apple acquired AuthenTec late last year, splashing out $356 million (£233m) on the company, and sparking speculation that fingerprint sensors would hit new iPhone and iPad models in the near future.
Via: AppleInsider
