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.
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Top Rated Comments
(View all)Wonder if I can make it register other body parts instead of my finger... :rolleyes:
The home button isn't small enough.
Wonder if I can make it register other body parts instead of my finger... :rolleyes:
I don't think Siri would appreciate that.
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.
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.