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New report suggests iPad 5 and Retina iPad mini could get fingerprint scanners

Published Sep 18th, 2013 11:00AM EDT
iPad 5 Fingerprint Scanner

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Apple is widely expected to unveil two brand new iPad tablets next month, and they may pack a surprise. A new report from Digitimes on Wednesday cites Taiwan-based component makers in claiming that Apple’s fifth-generation full-size iPad and its second-generation iPad mini tablet will both feature new sapphire crystal home buttons. Apple’s upcoming new iPhone 5s utilizes sapphire crystal instead of plastic for the home button as well, and the purpose is to protect the brand new Touch ID fingerprint scanner found beneath the glass. Digitimes’ report doesn’t specifically state that Apple’s next iPads will include the new fingerprint scanner, though a switch to sapphire would certainly make the inclusion of a fingerprint sensor a good possibility.

The report also notes that Apple is considering a switch to sapphire crystal to replace gorilla glass on the face of its iPhones, however price remains a huge obstacle. According to the site, Apple’s sapphire iPhone 5s home button cover costs about five times more than the plastic it replaces.

Apple is expected to unveil a completely redesigned full-size iPad as well as a brand new iPad mini tablet sometime next month. The fifth-generation iPad will reportedly adopt the design identity of the iPad mini, and will be thinner, smaller and lighter as a result. The second-generation iPad mini is thought to be very similar to the current model, however it is expected to feature a new Retina display with the same resolution as Apple’s full-size iPad.

According to one report, both new iPads will be unveiled during a press conference on October 15th. BGR also exclusively reported that Apple’s iOS 7.1 update will be shown off alongside the new tablets in October.

Zach Epstein
Zach Epstein Executive Editor

Zach Epstein has been the Executive Editor at BGR for more than 10 years. He manages BGR’s editorial team and ensures that best practices are adhered to. He also oversees the Ecommerce team and directs the daily flow of all content. Zach first joined BGR in 2007 as a Staff Writer covering business, technology, and entertainment.

His work has been quoted by countless top news organizations, and he was recently named one of the world's top 10 “power mobile influencers” by Forbes. Prior to BGR, Zach worked as an executive in marketing and business development with two private telcos.