Rumors surrounding Apple’s next-gen iPhone are starting to crystallize, with the latest news coming courtesy of the China Times which reports that the iPhone 5S will come with NFC functionality along with a fingerprint authorization sensor under the home button.
The report claims that Apple has tapped the Taiwanese chip company Chipbond to help build the fingerprint sensors into its next-gen iPhone. The technology would presumably come from AuthenTec, a security firm specializing in fingerprint technology that Apple acquired last year for #365 million.
With NFC functionality in tow, users will be able to engage in commercial transactions linked up to their credit card accounts simply by swiping their device over a payment pad. And with fingerprint authorization, Apple will be able to add an extra layer of security over such transactions.
Rumors of an NFC-equipped iPhone have been around for years now. Not only has Apple patented quite a few NFC related technologies and functions, but it has also made a number of notable NFC hires as well.
Meanwhile, iPhone 5S production is already rumored to have begun with a product launch scheduled for sometime this Summer.
via Macotakara
Tue, Mar 12, 2013
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