Hackers may have a harder time accessing your information with the upcoming iPhone 5S, according to recent rumors surrounding the device's alleged fingerprint scanner.

While the idea that a new iPhone could come equipped with a fingerprint feature, Apple has never confirmed it. However, information taken from a version of iOS7 beta 4 may point to the scanner becoming a very real possibility.

There is a folder in iOS7 beta 4 that is titled "BiometricKitUI," according to 9to5Mac.

"Photo of a person holding an iPhone with their left hand while touching the Home button with their thumb," reads code from the folder, according to 9to5Mac. "A fingerprint that changes colour during the setup process."

Helping to boost the rumors is the fact that last year Apple purchased Authentec, a security company that specializes in encryption and fingerprinting, according to the Christian Science Monitor.

Being able to protect information on your phone by use of your own unique fingerprinting would provide and added level of security that many may find attractive. However, the device could have more powerful uses, such as being used to protect and enter credit card and other sensitive information from a smartphone.

While the new device is expected to hit stores sometime in late September/early October, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities recently stated that production was impeded by problems with the fingerprint sensor.

Tags
Iphone 5s