iPhone 5S Features and Release Date Rumors: Fingerprint Sensor Home Button Made With Sapphire, Says Analyst

The next Apple iPhone might feature a fingerprint sensor with a home button not seen in previous smartphones from the Cupertino-based organization.

According to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple will be able to install a fingerprint sensor to the next iPhone by using a "convex" home button instead of the usual "concave" design, as Apple Insider noted.

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By using the convex home button, Apple will not lose much of the internal storage space within the smartphone.

Apple Insider, via a note by Kuo, stated Apple is using a convex home button made out of sapphire in order to avoid scratches.

The current home button will likely be the location for the fingerprint reading. This is probably so consumers won't be confused where else to place their finger for scanning.

The rumored addition of the fingerprint sensor has been strengthened following Apple's purchase of the Delaware-based AuthenTec. As Latinos Post reported last July, AuthenTec is known for its fingerprint devices for both commercial and governmental use. One of its customers included Apple's rival Samsung. Another customer of AuthenTec is Hewlett-Packard, which offers some of their notebooks with a fingerprint scanner.

In regards to the release date of the next Apple smartphone, reports are centering on a supposed Sept. 10 debut. According to AllThingsD, Apple will have a special event on Sept. 10. At this time there is no indication of a sale date.

Apple has not issued a comment on Kuo's statements or a potential release date.

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For the latest updates, follow Latinos Post's Michael Oleaga on Twitter: @EditorMikeO