Apple may build NFC and fingerprint technology into the iPhone 5S with a report suggesting that the company will use the fingerprint sensor to improve the security of NFC features such as payments.
China Times reports that a Taiwanese chipmaker called Chipbond has been selected by Apple to provide these components for the iPhone 5S. The website notes the new technology will come from a recent Apple aquisition, mobile security firm AuthenTec.
Rumours that Apple will use some sort of fingerprint technology have cropped up before, starting when Apple acquired AuthenTec in 2012. Microsoft partnered with AuthenTec way back in 2003 to integrate software support for biometrics in Windows desktop. They created a reference driver that they said would be an example for other biometric hardware makers to follow when designing their own software.
Foxconn has also reportedly started production on the iPhone 5S and are preparing to ramp up manufacturing, according to Macotakara, which has previously provided accurate details. Macotakara also reports that leading Japanese carrier NTT DoCoMo may finally begin selling the iPhone with the release of the 5S.
Source: China Times, Macotakara | Image via Apple