Apple is rumoured to be planning a software update for the iPhone 5S which will solve a longevity issue with its TouchID fingerprint recognition system, a problem which has appeared for some as a 'fading' of accuracy over a period of several weeks.
The iPhone 5S is the first Apple device to include an integrated fingerprint sensor, using technology from AuthenTec to register a user's unique fingerprint and use it as a means of unlocking the smartphone. Unlike rival fingerprint scanning systems, AuthenTec's TouchID works with a single press of the home button and does not require a swiping motion - a source of accuracy issues in some platforms, as the user varies the speed of the swipe unconsciously each time it is used.
Some users have reported problems with AuthenTec's technology losing accuracy over time, however. Dubbed the 'AuthenTec Fade,' the problem sees the fingerprint scanner failing to recognise the user more and more as weeks pass. While the problem can be temporarily corrected by reregistering the user's fingerprint, the accuracy will again begin to fade - leading to some users having to reregister their prints every month to retain accuracy.
Although the problem has not been officially addressed by Apple, AppleInsider suggests that the company is indeed working with AuthenTec, a wholly-owned Apple subsidiary since 2012, to fix the fade issue once and for all. The site was not able, however, to confirm from its source whether the patch will be ready by the time iOS 7.1 is scheduled to ship in March this year.
Apple, as is usual for the company, has not commented on the rumour.
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