iPhone 5S Specs: Home Button Flex Cable Part Surfaces, Confirms Fingerprint Sensor

By Vincent Funaro, Christian Post Reporter Tuesday, September 03, 2013

Various iPhone 5S spec rumors have pointed to the smartphone coming with a fingerprint sensor.

However, many of the home button parts that leaked failed to give evidence for this component being featured on the device. A picture was released of a home button flex cable this week that finally hints at this long rumored fingerprint sensor.

This part contains an identifier of 821-2092-01 which is in line with Apple's usual part number scheme. It also carries a manufacturing date code corresponding to the 29th week of 2013, which falls in the middle of July.

This cable is more complex than the version found on the iPhone 5, according to MacRumors. It also differs from another flex cable that leaked last month as it contains a new square surface and several other components that are believed to be related to the fingerprint sensor functionality.

Apple normally alters its combinations of components found on flex cable parts to suit its evolving internal and external designs. However, it is not immediately apparent what existing component could account for what is seen on this part. A fingerprint sensor could be the reason for these different features.

Previous part leaks might have not featured a home button flex with features to accommodate a new sensor because those could have been meant for the prototype model that was said to not have the component installed on it. This newer leak could have the part because the device's launch is set to take place in just a few weeks. This home button cable might have evolved over the time between the prototype and the final version's production.

Apple will unveil the new iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C at a media event scheduled for Sept. 10. The company sent out invites for it earlier today.