Apple announced that its new iPhone 5S features a fingerprint sensor called Touch ID, making it "the most secure phone" on the market.
The fingerprint sensor allows users to unlock the iPhone 5S thanks to biometrics without having to type in that annoying passcode. Four-digit world problems, right?
Yes, it looks like the Cupertino company is finally making use of its $356 million (about £226m, AU$382m) AuthenTec purchase, and it's doing it in style.
"iPhone 5S sets a new standard for smartphones, packed into its beautiful and refined design are breakthrough features that really matter to people," said Apple in a press release after the event.
"Touch ID [is] a simple and secure way to unlock your phone with just a touch of your finger."
Fingerprint sensor specs
The fingerprint sensor has a 500ppi resolution and 360-degree readability integrated into its laser cut sapphire crystal scanner, according to Apple. That means you wont have to reorient your finger every time you want to access your phone.
"Setting up Touch ID to recognize your fingerprint is easy, and every time you use it, it gets better," noted Apple. Sort of like Siri, but hopefully better.
What sounds even more promising from the start for power-hungry smartphone owners is that the sensor is only activated when it's needed in order to preserve battery life.
The new home button sensor itself is 170 microns thin and it scans sub-epidermal skin layers. It blends right into the now-blank home button.
Even more interesting is that the stainless steel detection ring of the fingerprint sensor knows your finger is there - meaning you don't have to actually press down on the button anymore. This should save Apple on quite a bit of home button overuse repair jobs in the long run.
Fingerprint sensor security
In the age of the Prism spying program, Apple was quick to call out that all fingerprint data is encrypted and stored securely in the secure enclave inside the A7 chip on the iPhone 5S
"It's never stored on Apple servers or backed up to iCloud," Apple said, driving home the point.
This is different than Siri, which sent anonymous recordings to Apple's servers for feedback purposes.
Make purchases through fingerprint sensor
Beyond unlocking the iPhone 5S, users can make iTunes, App and iBooks Store purchases using the phone's fingerprint sensor.
Apple said at today's event that the sensor is deeply integrated with iOS 7, which means the latest iOS software is required. That won't be a problem, as the Touch ID is only built into the 5S, and not the iPhone 5C also launched today.
Apple didn't discuss whether or not other app developers in its App Store will include ways to bypass passwords using the fingerprint sensor in the future.
There's also the question of how the fingerprint sensor is going to work with third-party accessories such as cases that would normally cover the iPhone 55 home button. Otterbox owners may be outta luck.