Apple job posting hints at fingerprint sensor tech for future iOS gadgets

Apple job posting hints at fingerprint sensor tech for future iOS gadgets
Recent reports have suggested the iPhone 5S may have a fingerprint scanner

Apple has dropped another hint it is looking to integrate fingerprint sensors into forthcoming iOS and, perhaps, Mac OS X products with a new posting on its jobs site.

Recent reports have suggested that the iPhone 5S will arrive with a fingerprint sensor next to the home button, with the rumoured iWatch reportedly in line for the tech too.

Now the company is looking for a software engineer to join its new team at the Melbourne Design Centre on Florida's Space Coast, which is where the AuthenTech company Apple purchased last year is based.

AuthenTec, which specialises in fingerprint sensors and identity management, was snapped up by Apple for $356m (UK£233, AUD$342 ) prompting speculation the tech would soon be integrated within Apple products.

iPhone 5S may be too soon

The position, which is the only Florida-based role on the company's jobs website said applicants must be able to write "low-level code to configure and control hardware."

The job posting does not mention fingerprint sensors by name, but applicants must also have experience in hardware and firmware interaction.

It remains to be seen whether Apple is preparing an instant introduction with the iPhone 5S.

Speculation has also suggested that the handset, scheduled for launch later this year, would be more of an evolutionary update than a revolutionary new handset, so it would be a surprise in that sense.

Via AppleInsider

TOPICS
Chris Smith

A technology journalist, writer and videographer of many magazines and websites including T3, Gadget Magazine and TechRadar.com. He specializes in applications for smartphones, tablets and handheld devices, with bylines also at The Guardian, WIRED, Trusted Reviews and Wareable. Chris is also the podcast host for The Liverpool Way. As well as tech and football, Chris is a pop-punk fan and enjoys the art of wrasslin'.

Latest in iOS
An iPhone running iOS 18 on a purple and blue background
iOS 18.4 could launch soon with a major upgrade to your iPhone’s notifications
Apple's Craig Federighi presenting customization options in iOS 18 at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024.
iOS 19: new features, a new design, and everything you need to know
The Mail app running on iOS, with categories shown on-screen.
How to turn off Mail categories on iPhone, or customize them to your needs
iPhone Home Screen
iOS 19 is set to usher in a major redesign – here are 4 things being tipped for the upcoming overhaul
Three iPhones on a green and blue background showing trails on Apple Maps
iOS 18.4 will give your iPhone a much-needed maps upgrade – but only if you're in the EU
iOS 18 Control Center
iOS 19: the 3 biggest rumors so far, and what I want to see
Latest in News
An image of Pro-Ject's Flatten it closed and opened
Pro-Ject’s new vinyl flattener will fix any warped LPs you inadvertently buy on Record Store Day
EA Sports F1 25 promotional image featuring drivers Oscar Piastri, Carlos Sainz and Oliver Bearman.
F1 25 has been officially announced, with this year's entry marking a return for Braking Point and a 'significant overhaul' for My Team mode
Garmin clippd integration
Garmin's golf watches just got a big software integration upgrade to help you improve your game
Robert Downey Jr reveals himself as Doctor Doom to a delighted crowd at San Diego Comic-Con 2024
Marvel is currently revealing the full cast for Avengers: Doomsday, and I think it's going to be a long-winded announcement
Samsung QN90F on yellow background
Samsung announces US prices for its 2025 mini-LED TV lineup, and it’s good and bad news
Nintendo Switch Lite
Forget the Nintendo Switch 2, the original Switch is getting one last hurrah in a surprise Nintendo Direct tomorrow