Fingerprint sensor causing iPhone delays: rumor

The latest rumors support earlier reports that the next generation of Apple's all-conquering smartphone will feature biometric technology. However, sources suggest that integrating the necessary sensors is causing problems.

The latest rumors support earlier reports that the next generation of Apple's all-conquering smartphone will feature biometric technology. However, sources suggest that integrating the necessary sensors is causing problems.

Since Apple purchased biometric scanning company Authentec in mid 2012, reports have been circulating that the next generation of iDevices would feature fingerprint scanning technology in order to heighten security and privacy and facilitate mobile payments.

According to the latest news from Reuters, the addition of such a scanner to the upcoming iPhone 5S is the reason why its production has been delayed.

Supply chain sources say Apple and its manufacturing partners are struggling to identify a protective coating for the fingerprint sensor that doesn't affect the sensor's performance. As a result, large-scale production, which had been scheduled to begin in June, has had to be postponed.

The report also claims that production for a low-cost iPhone aimed at emerging markets will begin in May.

A stickler for absolute quality, Apple, it was revealed this week, has so far returned over 8 million iPhone 5 handsets to manufacturing partner Foxconn due to quality control issues.