Apple's newest gadget, the iPhone 6, will reported come fully equipped with a fingerprint sensor, according to an Apple analyst and supporting reports.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities predicted the newest developments for the Apple devices slayed to come out in 2013 and part of his report, first published by MacRumors?, claimed that Apple is preparing to install a hardware fingerprint sensor on the next iPhone, likely to be named iPhone 6 or iPhone 5S. The sensor will perhaps be integrated with the home button, in order to make the tech giant stand out against its growing competitors in the smartphone market.

To be even more aggressive against Samsung, Google and other competiting phone makers, Apple is reportedly looking to swich to a six-month cycle instedd of a one-year cycle with the iPhone launches.

Kuo's predictions could come true especially since Apple paid over $350 million for fingerprint technology company AuthenTec in July 2012.

Kuo also believes that Apple will focus its launches on the third quarter of the year; it will introduce an iPhone 5S or 6 and a revamped iPhone 5 around June or July of 2013. T

The International Business Times cited other researchers and analysts forecasting that Apple will release its next smartphone in the summer of 2013. Reports said the new iPhone will include a "Super HD" screen display and camera. Jefferies stock analyst Peter Misek added, "the iPhone 5S/6 has a new 'super HD camera/screen, a better battery, and NFC,' and 'possible updates include an IGZO screen for Retina +, 128GB storage."

Reports also backed the notion that Apple enthusiasts might see two iPhone launches this year - one in the second quarter and another in the third or fourth.

Analysts Gene Munster and Douglas Clinton from Piper Jaffray told CNN Money that Apple will likely release five new products in 2013, beginning in March and extending through November. The products will reportedly include a free radio service an iPad Mini with Retina Display, a revamped Apple TV and more.

Tags
IPhone, Apple