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New Photo of Alleged iPhone 5S Home Button Flex Cable Could Point to Fingerprint Sensor Support

Tuesday September 3, 2013 9:31 am PDT by Eric Slivka
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.

iphone_5s_home_button_sep13
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.

[ 82 comments ]

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aprofetto8
81 months ago

Wonder if I can make it register other body parts instead of my finger... :rolleyes:


The home button isn't small enough.
Rating: 38 Votes
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FlatlinerG
81 months ago

Wonder if I can make it register other body parts instead of my finger... :rolleyes:


I don't think Siri would appreciate that.
Rating: 20 Votes
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Minhimalism
81 months ago
Wonder if I can make it register other body parts instead of my finger... :rolleyes:
Rating: 7 Votes
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chago04
81 months ago

I dreamt last night that the new hardware sensor was a breathalyzer to prevent drunk driving. You heard it here first.


Preventing drunk texting might be a better use.
Rating: 5 Votes
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cuda12
81 months ago
I dreamt last night that the new hardware sensor was a breathalyzer to prevent drunk driving. You heard it here first.
Rating: 5 Votes
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pickaxe
81 months ago

I think there is great possibility if Apple allows Devs to get involved and expand the offerings to include shopping apps, storing additional site PW as well as that to unlock the phone and maybe iTunes, and the ability to access and engage in secure communications and transactions with the new iPhone. [..]


It's Apple, and they've dropped the ball repeatedly regarding giving developer API access to key features in iOS. See: 3rd party Notification Center Widgets, 3rd party SIRI integration and now 3rd party Control Center access. The last time they DID give API access to devs, the result was, IMO, a flop (Passbook).

I just don't see this happening.
Rating: 3 Votes
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Spacial
81 months ago

I'm not really sure why people are so excited about a Fingerprint Sensor


It's likely the result of months and months of watching new developments from other companies while Apple appeared to be hibernating Polar Bear Style :)
Rating: 2 Votes
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Gutwrench
81 months ago

and we come back to the start of it all - laziness:D


Redial, cut & paste, Siri, etc are all short cuts to help with efficiency. So those who appreciate them are lazy?

I think you're merely living up to your profile.
Rating: 1 Votes
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rtkane
81 months ago

blackberry's never had any fingerprint sensors, yet still all major corporations used them due to their ability for high security. So your argument really doesn't stand and all you're doing is searching for some excuse that the fingerprint sensor is "the next big thing". All it is is a useless gimmick.


If it's implemented property and actually works well, it'll be a big deal for some people and will be "the next big thing" for them. Just because it doesn't make sense for you doesn't mean a lot of people aren't looking forward to it and that it's a gimmick.

I think (hope) that Apple will have pretty broad implementation in terms of password saving on sites as iOS 7 gives websites the ability to not allow user log-in info to be auto-filled anymore and perhaps this will be a step towards replacing auto-fill, like you'd go to a website with a log-in screen and it'll pop up "swipe thumb to fill form". If i could just swipe a thumb to authenticate and log in for websites, the App store, etc., it'd be great and I'd be really looking forward to it.

Of course, this will all depend on whether or not it's done well. But if it is, I'm going to love it far more than the maps introduction (even if that was implemented bug free), camera upgrades, or Siri.

My only issue now will be ensuring that when I'm asleep my kids don't sneak into the room and try to covertly swipe their phones across my thumb to download apps. :D
Rating: 1 Votes
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Gutwrench
81 months ago

I would love to replace my 8 digit alphanumeric password (forced 2min auto lock) on my company iPhone with a quick finger scan. Re-keying in this password 50 times a day gets old.


Same here. Here's hoping its true and our/my company will allow its use.
Rating: 1 Votes

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