New Photo of Alleged iPhone 5S Home Button Flex Cable Could Point to Fingerprint Sensor Support
Over the past few months, a number of parts alleged to be for the iPhone 5S have leaked out of Asian parts and repair firms, but leaked home button parts had failed to provide evidence for the inclusion of a fingerprint sensor as has been widely rumored for the device.
But as noted by Nowhereelse.fr [Google Translate], a new home button flex cable part has surfaced that may show support for the fingerprint sensor. The part contains an identifier of 821-2092-01 in line with Apple's usual part number scheme, and appears to carry a manufacturing date code corresponding to the 29th week of 2013, or mid-July.
The flex cable part is far more complex than that seen in the iPhone 5 or even the alleged iPhone 5S part leaked last month, containing a new square surface as well as several other components that may be related to fingerprint sensor functionality.
Apple routinely alters its combinations of components included on flex cable parts to suit its evolving internal and external designs, but it is not immediately apparent what existing component could account for the features seen on this part, suggesting that they may indeed be for a new feature such as the rumored fingerprint sensor.
Also potentially contributing to differences in part leaks is word that Apple initially did not build the fingerprint sensor into iPhone 5S prototype, instead connecting an external sensor for testing purposes. As a result, the home button flex cable design may have changed over time as Apple worked to move it from an external assembly into the home button.
Finally, early part leaks may have seen some confusion over which parts were destined for the iPhone 5S and which were intended for the lower-cost iPhone 5C, which is not expected to include a fingerprint sensor.
Apple is expected to introduce the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C at a media event on September 10.
Update: MobilesPie shared photos of a similar part last week, but the retailer selling the part lists it as for the iPhone 5C.
Popular Stories
Apple today shared an ad that shows how the upgraded Center Stage front camera on the latest iPhones improves the process of taking a group selfie.
"Watch how the new front facing camera on iPhone 17 Pro takes group selfies that automatically expand and rotate as more people come into frame," says Apple. While the ad is focused on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, the regular iPhone...
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps.
The feature is currently available in 13 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, and it is expected to launch in at least seven more in the future.
To set up the...
Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models as soon as early March, but if you can, this is one generation you should skip because there's something much better in the works.
We're waiting on 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, with few changes other than the processor upgrade. There won't be any tweaks to the design or the display, but later this...
Wednesday February 11, 2026 10:07 am PST by
Juli CloverApple today released iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3, the latest updates to the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 operating systems that came out in September. The new software comes almost two months after Apple released iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2.
The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
According to Apple's release notes, ...
It has been a slow start to 2026 for Apple product launches, with only a new AirTag and a special Apple Watch band released so far. We are still waiting for MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, the iPhone 17e, a lower-cost MacBook with an iPhone chip, long-rumored updates to the Apple TV and HomePod mini, and much more.
Apple is expected to release/update the following products...
