iPhone 5S Home Button Won't Be Convex But Will Scan Fingerprints, iOS 7 for iPad Could Be Delayed?

A new report from 9to5Mac offers some tidbits on the rumored fingerprint scanner for the iPhone 5S and suggests that Apple could delay iOS 7 for iPad.

First, the site says that part leaks revealing a fingerprint scanner for the iPhone 5S have been non-existent because Apple has been testing the feature externally over a cable system. It also refutes rumors that the home button will be convex to accommodate the fingerprint scanner.

Also contrary to recent talk, the new Home button’s design will not be noticeably convex. Perhaps the shape has changed, but the tweaked button is nothing distinct enough for the iPhone 5S to be identified as anything but an iPhone 5 by the untrained eye. There’s the possibility, however, that the etching and border of the Home button could become more shiny and look slightly different.


Customers who don't want to use the fingerprint scanner will be able to turn off the biometric authentication via the Settings app.

Second, the report indicates that Apple is behind with its development of iOS 7 for iPad. This is evidenced by the absence of iOS 7 for iPad from the first beta of the operating system that was seeded to developers. It's suggested that perhaps Apple will hold back iOS 7 for iPad until iOS 7.0.1 which could coincide with a separate iPad event in October.

While iOS 7.0 for iPhone is locked for the iPhone 5S launch in mid-September, there’s chatter inside Apple about the potential of holding back the iPad version for an iOS 7.0.1 release between late September and October; potentially alongside fresh new iPad hardware.

iOS 7.0.1 may also feature some of the "iOS in the Car" integration previously announced by Apple.


Finally, the report says Apple has already started development of iOS 8. While details are slim on the future software, there's chatter of a Siri API with restrictions to certain app categories and further advancements to iOS in the Car which would tie into the iPhone's camera to provide improved information about road conditions.

Apple is expected to unveil its new iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C on September 10th.

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