“When Apple revealed the iPhone 5 last year, many were confused as to why Apple didn’t include NFC technology,” Jack Purcher reports for Patently Apple.
“Apple’s VP of Worldwide Marketing Phil Schiller stated at the time that it wasn’t clear that NFC was the solution to any current problem,” Purcher reports. “That was a nice misdirection Phil, really. Because as Phil was saying that, Apple had already filed for a wild fingerprint sensor/NFC patent that he was fully aware of.”
“Patently Apple recently discovered this patent application in Europe that details an incredible fingerprint scanner with advanced integrated NFC circuitry that will deliver features that no one saw coming!” Purcher reports. “It appears that Apple is about to show the world a little more true innovation Apple-style next week when they introduce the iPhone 5S with a newly designed Home Button with an integrated fingerprint scanner and much more.”
Apple’s next patent FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the new Home button.
Much more in the full article – highly recommended – here.
MacDailyNews Take: We’ve seen that ring in leaked photos out of China that claim to be of iPhone 5S’ packaging showing a new Home Button:
iPhone 5S packaging featuring new Home Button design
This patent application is well-worth reading – it may well give many clues as to what’s to come next week and/or in the future.
Just because Apple files a patent does not guarantee that this feature will be available on the next iPhone. Apple likely files at least hundreds of patents per year and how many are evident in current products?
Every once in a while there’s a wow moment about a new Apple feature and this one of them. We’ve been hearing rumors and photos of parts, but reading about the technology from this patent is the TKO prior to the event. I can’t wait for Apple to unveil this scanner and maybe their wallet program. Ya!
Mebbe that “wow” moment will be enough to shut up Jim “Apple Doesn’t Have A Wow Product” Cramer. But probably not. 😒
(I think it’s great and if it’s real, Apple will definitely be looking good)
The ring glows green with nominal operation however if a intruder tries to gain access the ring turns red and segments into four equal sections giving you 4 chances to scan your finger print correctly and on the fourth scan if negative the red ring kills the iPhone. They call it the red ring of Steve Ballmer
Actually, I was just imagining Apple will backlight the ring when you touch it and it will turn green with a confirmation tone when recognition is confirmed. That would be ultra-cool.
But the patent application is filed. Therefore, if it is patentable, Apple will own the patent. That is far better than the alternative, and it puts Apple’s competitors on the defensive. They will have to attempt to discredit the patent, should it be awarded.
What part of “….current problem”, does Purcher not understand. Where “CURRENT” was a year ago. This is for the future or maybe even “now”. Things have progressed since over a year ago I think.
If Apple makes this NSA proof, it will be the one feature people will flock to buy.
You’re reading it too literally. The point was that Phil, as a good marketing man, carefully crafted his statement. I was applauding him, not criticizing him. He was being crafty. That’s a part of what marketing people do. Misdirect your completion into thinking that you have no interest in something and then come out with a better toy in time. Steve Jobs did that for the iPhone and laughed at cloud computing even though iCloud was in the works. Anyways your read it wrong.
I may have been too harsh. It’s not that I didn’t see your compliment to Phil. I understand you were saying good things about a marketing guy being kind of sly etc.
But you see, Phil “actually” was not being sly at all. He was actually saying it as it “actually” was. All he said was that NFC had no solution to anything at that ‘present’ time. It just niggles me a bit when it can be construed as a Jobsian slight of hand when it “actually” was not.
Now Steve would have said something like….”We just don’t see NFC as a technology in its ascendancy. We think we can do a lot more with BT4.0″. Then a year later he would have introduced the iPhone with NFC.
This will be the Holy Grail for NSA. Now they can, not only access to comunication data, but also to biometric data in a worldwide scale lol. Only face recognition is missing, but that can even be done in stealth mode.
Theoretically, it could be engineered to isolate the results of fingerprint scans to protected memory, and ensure these results cannot be read directly by other applications or uploaded to a network. If it’s locked down in this way, a fingerprint scanner can be very valuable for personal security systems, and help protect people from the NSA and other data spies.
if this is the real packaging then looks like the Wallpaper color will match the color of the device – i.e. white, gold and all the other colors that will come with the new 5C
Maybe this will use Liquid Metal. The 5,000 electrodes will be hard to pack in a home button. Use of LM would make it hard for others (Samsung) to copy; it will take more than a software workaround. Also, it will make the Android “we did it first” fans STFU.
For high security business and government needs iPhone will be the top choice. This will be the death blow to BB. WinPhone’s best chance was the business market. The MS buy of Nokia will go down as the best (Nokia)/worst(MS) business deals of the decade. I believe (could be wrong) Apple is working on large data centers outside the US. This would keep the NSA from reading non US messages, taking away a big BB and Nokia advantage. This time “S” will be for Secure.
Looks like Apple is learning how to write patent applications. With all the variables they’re including, it will be harder for copiers to make minor changes and claim that they are no longer infringing on Apple’s patent.
I have to assume that in order for the NFC (Near Field Communication) chip to give up its code, the user must use their fingerprint in order to approve the data transfer.
IOW: No random stranger bumping into your NFC device and ripping off your identity. No nasty marketing morons zapping your chip to ID you and inflict personalized advertising at you. This sort of scenario has been the bane of NFC so far. It looks like Apple has killed off the problem with one lovely solution: Total user control.
Lots to like about this. Contactless payment, (NFC), is only now starting to creep into stores in the UK, WHSmith, the magazine, book and stationery retailer have only just installed it, as I saw the contact points by the tills today, so if this facility can be cross-linked to a bank account then it’s a killer feature, coupled with NFC charging, and data connection with in-car entertainment, then it’ll kick Samsung and MS’s ass big-time! Brilliant!
Jack Purcher also picks up on the inductive coupling aspect of the patent and speculates that this could have something to do with wireless charging and speculates that the iPhone could be wirelessly recharged instead of by the Lightning connector.
I am tempted to pick up that ball and run in a different direction. How about if the inductive charging were so that the iPhone’s battery could inductively charge something else, like an iWatch ?
I like the patent information a lot. But it doesn’t have to come out next week. It could be introduced in a MacBook in the spring, or in a future iPad mini or the iPhone 6 in 2014.
So what if it’s delayed, it’s the fact that they have the technology to implement it whenever it ready. The buzz is great, but just keep in mind that sometimes features get delayed for many, many reasons. If it arrives Tuesday I’d be happy. But if Apple couldn’t get it ready on time, that’s fine too. It will in time.
I have a feeling many people are going to be very disappointed on Tuesday with what Apple is going to be putting out. The fingerprint and NFC stuff won’t be in the next phone, as it’s not ready for prime time yet. The complex components and environmental settings needed for fingerprint technology to work right isn’t ready for the masses or the average person. The real world is to messy for this rather fragile technology. Most people beat the crap out of their phones and fingerprint technology can’t survive the conditions the average person is going to put their phones in. As well the NFC infrastructure is not yet available and won’t be for awhile. Apple has passbook to fill in till NFC is ready and reliable. So for all you Apple fans out their be prepared to be disappointed on Tuesday. All that you’re going to get is a minor upgrade to the Phone 5 with a few tweaks to it. A faster processor is a given, a camera that’s a little better, an improved Siri and maps, maybe a bigger storage capacity, and a redesigned OS that will have a few new features……and oh some new colors to choose from. Plus, a cheaper plastic phone as well that’s going to be an iPhone 5 on the inside. I think way to many people put to much faith in Apple these days as an innovator. I love Apple and their products but the reality of it is………..innovating at a slower pace is more profitable then innovating at a faster pace. The average consumer is happy with what they have and change to fast is something most consumers don’t like. Apple knows this and will change products accordingly. Fan boys you are SOL…..you’re a small market and don’t have much influence.
Now THAT’S what I’m talking about! Great find MDN! Wow.
Can it still be used as a ——- phone?
Too bad Patently Apple’s approach is tabloidish, sensationalistic.
Also, NFC part of fingerprint sensor will not necessary come; but lets see.
Just because Apple files a patent does not guarantee that this feature will be available on the next iPhone. Apple likely files at least hundreds of patents per year and how many are evident in current products?
I think I just saw Satan at Sports Mart buying a pair of skates! I actually agree with MacFreek on this one.
I have NEVER doubted Apple will push the limits to new functionality.
Slam dunk, Samsunk.
Every once in a while there’s a wow moment about a new Apple feature and this one of them. We’ve been hearing rumors and photos of parts, but reading about the technology from this patent is the TKO prior to the event. I can’t wait for Apple to unveil this scanner and maybe their wallet program. Ya!
Mebbe that “wow” moment will be enough to shut up Jim “Apple Doesn’t Have A Wow Product” Cramer. But probably not. 😒
(I think it’s great and if it’s real, Apple will definitely be looking good)
Cramer is an admitted stock manipulator. It says a lot about the corporate governance of TheStreet.com that he still has a forum there.
Wasn’t there a report about an Apple “ring” that would control a TV? Perhaps it was not a conventional ring after all…
The ring glows green with nominal operation however if a intruder tries to gain access the ring turns red and segments into four equal sections giving you 4 chances to scan your finger print correctly and on the fourth scan if negative the red ring kills the iPhone. They call it the red ring of Steve Ballmer
Actually, I was just imagining Apple will backlight the ring when you touch it and it will turn green with a confirmation tone when recognition is confirmed. That would be ultra-cool.
Thanks god its patented.
“Patent application”, so it is not yet issued. Then it is not yet vetted by competitors that may challenge it.
But the patent application is filed. Therefore, if it is patentable, Apple will own the patent. That is far better than the alternative, and it puts Apple’s competitors on the defensive. They will have to attempt to discredit the patent, should it be awarded.
What part of “….current problem”, does Purcher not understand. Where “CURRENT” was a year ago. This is for the future or maybe even “now”. Things have progressed since over a year ago I think.
If Apple makes this NSA proof, it will be the one feature people will flock to buy.
Hey Paul,
You’re reading it too literally. The point was that Phil, as a good marketing man, carefully crafted his statement. I was applauding him, not criticizing him. He was being crafty. That’s a part of what marketing people do. Misdirect your completion into thinking that you have no interest in something and then come out with a better toy in time. Steve Jobs did that for the iPhone and laughed at cloud computing even though iCloud was in the works. Anyways your read it wrong.
Cheers
Hey Jack,
I may have been too harsh. It’s not that I didn’t see your compliment to Phil. I understand you were saying good things about a marketing guy being kind of sly etc.
But you see, Phil “actually” was not being sly at all. He was actually saying it as it “actually” was. All he said was that NFC had no solution to anything at that ‘present’ time. It just niggles me a bit when it can be construed as a Jobsian slight of hand when it “actually” was not.
Now Steve would have said something like….”We just don’t see NFC as a technology in its ascendancy. We think we can do a lot more with BT4.0″. Then a year later he would have introduced the iPhone with NFC.
Another BOOM acoming!
This will be the Holy Grail for NSA. Now they can, not only access to comunication data, but also to biometric data in a worldwide scale lol. Only face recognition is missing, but that can even be done in stealth mode.
Spartacus -Just go a lock on you – Thanks for the heads up
NSA Data Services.
Theoretically, it could be engineered to isolate the results of fingerprint scans to protected memory, and ensure these results cannot be read directly by other applications or uploaded to a network. If it’s locked down in this way, a fingerprint scanner can be very valuable for personal security systems, and help protect people from the NSA and other data spies.
if this is the real packaging then looks like the Wallpaper color will match the color of the device – i.e. white, gold and all the other colors that will come with the new 5C
Maybe this will use Liquid Metal. The 5,000 electrodes will be hard to pack in a home button. Use of LM would make it hard for others (Samsung) to copy; it will take more than a software workaround. Also, it will make the Android “we did it first” fans STFU.
For high security business and government needs iPhone will be the top choice. This will be the death blow to BB. WinPhone’s best chance was the business market. The MS buy of Nokia will go down as the best (Nokia)/worst(MS) business deals of the decade. I believe (could be wrong) Apple is working on large data centers outside the US. This would keep the NSA from reading non US messages, taking away a big BB and Nokia advantage. This time “S” will be for Secure.
“S” for secure. Right on the money!
Great. Tuesday’s big show just got interesting. I think I’ll take a sick day or morning off just to see the keynote.
So your finger on the home button will become part of the antenna for NFC communications. That is clever.
No, the idea does not, at this point, have anything to do with using the user or anything else as an antenna.
Read through the source article for all the current details.
Looks like Apple is learning how to write patent applications. With all the variables they’re including, it will be harder for copiers to make minor changes and claim that they are no longer infringing on Apple’s patent.
I like it! 😀
I have to assume that in order for the NFC (Near Field Communication) chip to give up its code, the user must use their fingerprint in order to approve the data transfer.
IOW: No random stranger bumping into your NFC device and ripping off your identity. No nasty marketing morons zapping your chip to ID you and inflict personalized advertising at you. This sort of scenario has been the bane of NFC so far. It looks like Apple has killed off the problem with one lovely solution: Total user control.
You can read about this technology here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio-frequency_identification
AND
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Near_field_communication
Sounds like they’re headed for a device with no connector ports at all. Wireless sync. Wireless charge.
Lots to like about this. Contactless payment, (NFC), is only now starting to creep into stores in the UK, WHSmith, the magazine, book and stationery retailer have only just installed it, as I saw the contact points by the tills today, so if this facility can be cross-linked to a bank account then it’s a killer feature, coupled with NFC charging, and data connection with in-car entertainment, then it’ll kick Samsung and MS’s ass big-time! Brilliant!
Jack Purcher also picks up on the inductive coupling aspect of the patent and speculates that this could have something to do with wireless charging and speculates that the iPhone could be wirelessly recharged instead of by the Lightning connector.
I am tempted to pick up that ball and run in a different direction. How about if the inductive charging were so that the iPhone’s battery could inductively charge something else, like an iWatch ?
One ring to rule them all
I like the patent information a lot. But it doesn’t have to come out next week. It could be introduced in a MacBook in the spring, or in a future iPad mini or the iPhone 6 in 2014.
So what if it’s delayed, it’s the fact that they have the technology to implement it whenever it ready. The buzz is great, but just keep in mind that sometimes features get delayed for many, many reasons. If it arrives Tuesday I’d be happy. But if Apple couldn’t get it ready on time, that’s fine too. It will in time.
Will a nose print work? My dog wants an iPhone too!
I’m telling your Mama!
I have a feeling many people are going to be very disappointed on Tuesday with what Apple is going to be putting out. The fingerprint and NFC stuff won’t be in the next phone, as it’s not ready for prime time yet. The complex components and environmental settings needed for fingerprint technology to work right isn’t ready for the masses or the average person. The real world is to messy for this rather fragile technology. Most people beat the crap out of their phones and fingerprint technology can’t survive the conditions the average person is going to put their phones in. As well the NFC infrastructure is not yet available and won’t be for awhile. Apple has passbook to fill in till NFC is ready and reliable. So for all you Apple fans out their be prepared to be disappointed on Tuesday. All that you’re going to get is a minor upgrade to the Phone 5 with a few tweaks to it. A faster processor is a given, a camera that’s a little better, an improved Siri and maps, maybe a bigger storage capacity, and a redesigned OS that will have a few new features……and oh some new colors to choose from. Plus, a cheaper plastic phone as well that’s going to be an iPhone 5 on the inside. I think way to many people put to much faith in Apple these days as an innovator. I love Apple and their products but the reality of it is………..innovating at a slower pace is more profitable then innovating at a faster pace. The average consumer is happy with what they have and change to fast is something most consumers don’t like. Apple knows this and will change products accordingly. Fan boys you are SOL…..you’re a small market and don’t have much influence.
“many were confused as to why Apple didn’t include NFC technology,”
Probably because many were idiots with no clue including Jack.