Apple’s new iPhone may have fingerprint sensor

An app developer is said to have discovered the strongest indication that iPhone 5S may have a fingerprint scanner.

09:23 01 August 2013

Ever since Apple bought AuthenTec last year for $356million, rumours have started that the new iPhone model may have built-in fingerprint sensor, since the deal included several of the company’s security technologies and its developments in fingerprint sensors.

Now, an app developer is said to have discovered the strongest indication that the rumours may be true. London programmer Hamza Sood, is said to have found relevant support folders and documentation while he was looking at the beta release of iOS7.

The developer found a “BiometricKitUI” folder and text that says “Photo of a person holding an iPhone is their right hand while touching the Home Button” and then “A fingerprint that changes colour during the set up process.”

Some believe that the sensor can be used for unlocking the phone and for authorising passwords and payments online.

iPhone 5S is expected to be released around mid-September. iPhone 5C, a plastic, cheaper iPhone, is expected to be released as well and it could retail for as little as $99.