The latest Apple iPhone is set to debut in about two weeks, and security features have definitely made the new device worth looking.
The iPhone 5 will feature many improved features, which we'll get to momentarily, but security has apparently received the biggest of upgrades compared to its predecessor, iPhone 4S.
The Japanese blog Macotakara reported that the iPhone 5 will include a special chip that will allow you to make payments over the phone.
The report came after leaked photos from Apple.pro revealed where this chip might be located (view here). Macotakara suggests a square portion at the top of the display could hold a Near Field Communication (NFC) chip, one of the newest features for the iPhone 5.
NFC has been used in Samsung's Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Nexus which allowed mobile payments through the app Google Wallet.
Apple is preparing to launch their own version of Google Wallet with the form of Passbook which will be featured it its new operating system (OS) iOS 6.
Business Insider previously reported the Passbook will allow users to hold digital gift cards, event tickets, even airplane boarding tickets.
But with payments, the factor of securing credit and debit card information is important.
NFC has been instrumental in securing transactions, but with Apple's recent acquisition of AuthenTec. The acquisition of the fingerprint security company has led to speculation that access to apps and programs on the upcoming iPhone 5 will feature fingerprint technology. AuthenTec's other clients include fellow phone services Nokia and Samsung, so it is familiar with the mobile industry.
As Latinos Post reported, the iPhone 4S' default settings lets Siri to circumvent a locked iPhone with a verbal command. According to NakedSecurity, e-mails, text messages, and calendar appointments can be altered using Siri without ever having to enter the iPhone's unique password.
As for other features, leaked photos of the iPhone 5's battery reveal a metal design that is thinner than the iPhone 4S, a higher capacity battery, and a smaller dock connector. 9to5mac.com reports that the iPhone 5's battery capacity stands at 1440 mAh, up 10mAh from the iPhone 4S. The iPhone 5's watts-per-hour measurement comes in at 5.45, an increase of 0.15 from the iPhone 4S.
The iPhone 5 is expected to launch with preorders on Sept. 12, for AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon Wireless customers. The latest Apple device is expected to cost up to $800 without a standard two-year contract but can go as low as $199 when signing a contract with the three previously mentioned phone carriers.