iPhone 5S Fingerprint Reader Tipped by iOS 7 Beta 4 Code

The iOS 7 beta 4 update includes a small piece of code that points to a new iPhone with a fingerprint reader built in to secure user information and data. Apple is reportedly planning an iPhone 5S with a fingerprint reader, though other believe Apple is saving afingerprint reader for the iPhone 6 next year.

As soon as the latest iOS 7 beta arrived researchers downloaded the file to look for hints at what Apple is planning for iOS 7 and for the rumored iPhone 5S and discovered hints of a fingerprint sensor for the iPhone.

iOS tinkerer Hamza Sood discovered a BiometricKitUI folder and description of how an iPhone users could unlock the iPhone with a fingerprint in the iOS 7 beta 4 file, sharing the details on Twitter.

The iOS 7 beta 4 includes details on a possible iPhone 5S fingerprint reader.

Inside the code appears to be an outline for setting up an iPhone 5S with a fingerprint reader. The code references two photos of a finger on the iPhone and a status that changes as the fingerprint recognition approaches 100%. In practice, this could look similar to the video below which shows a finger unlocking a phone with a fingerprint.

The leak does not include any additional details about how this would work, but we could see new  iOS 7 features tied to fingerprints. In addition to unlocking the iPhone 5S or iPhone 6, different fingerprints could launch specific apps. This would allow users to swipe a left index finger to launch the camera or launch right into email, while the right thumb would launch to the home screen. The iOS 7 beta doesn’t show Apple working on this type of feature, but it is something we’ve seen in use on Android phone fingerprint demos.

This is the first time we’ve seen any mention of fingerprint reader support in an external iOS 7 beta, adding to claims Apple is preparing an iPhone 5S with a fingerprint reader for this fall. Even if Apple is not planning to share the details about this until an iPhone 5S launch, it makes sense to see the code appear in an iOS 7 beta 4 release. Apple is reportedly planning two more iOS 7 betas before the Gold Master and public release. By including this code now, Apple could make sure it doesn’t negatively impact existing devices.

Apple purchased AuthenTec in 2012, a security company known for mobile fingerprint technology. Previously we covered how Apple could build this into an iPhone 5S home button even though leaks indicate there is little additional space in this area.

Apple is reportedly planning the iPhone 5S release for late September, which would place an iOS 7 release soon before that and an iPhone 5S launch earlier in the month, but nothing is set in stone at this time.

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How To Transfer Contacts to a New iPhone iOS6

Migrating from one phone to another used to be a major pain. Backing up contacts was nearly impossible, and inputting them into a new phone involved pressing each individual number on the number pad repeatedly. With iOS 6, and a new iPhone, getting contacts on the device couldn’t be easier. Here is how to do it for existing users and new users.

Existing iPhone Users

For existing iPhone users, making sure that the phone is set to backup to iCloud is the easiest way.

Open Settings on the iPhone.

Choose iCloud from the menu.

iPhone iOS 6 iCloud Menu

Scroll down to find Storage & Backup.

iPhone iOS 6 Storage and Backup Menu

Then make sure the iCloud Backup toggle is set to ON.

Whenever the iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi and charging, the phone will backup. Once the phone has been backed up, migrating to the new phone is simple. By clicking the Back Up Now button, it will force a backup.

When setting up the new phone, it will at one point prompt the user to choose to Restore from an iCloud Backup. Choose that and then follow the prompts. A short time later everything will be on the new phone, including contacts and all the apps.

New iPhone Users

During the initial setup of the phone it would have prompted the user to create an iCloud account. Since a large percentage of iPhones sold are sold at wireless stores (and not Apple stores) the in-store associate most likely helped the user set up the account.

Adding contacts (and other information) to the iPhone through iCloud is incredibly easy if the user has access to a computer. Here is how to do it.

Open the web browser and visit www.icloud.com.

www.icloud.com

Then login with the correct credentials.

Logging into iCloud

After logging in, choose the Contacts option.

iCloud Main Screen

Once the Contacts screen opens, select the “+” button at the bottom of the screen.

iCloud Contacts Screen

Then fill out the contact information and click Done.

Add New Contact in iCloud

The contact information will automatically synchronize with the phone. To verify this, unlock the iPhone and check the Contacts app for the new name.

iPhone Contacts app with new contact.

Simply repeat the process for each person needing to be added and that’s it! It is much easier to input this contact information over the computer than by using the phone’s keyboard, especially if there are a large number of contacts to enter.

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