Apple announced on Tuesday the new iPhone 5S will include a Touch ID fingerprint sensor, allowing users to unlock their device with the touch of a finger.
The new technology reads your fingerprint at a very detailed level. The capacitive sensor is 170 microns thin with 500 ppi resolution and it scans sub-epidermal skim layers.
SEE ALSO: Apple Reveals iPhone 5S
Not only will this be a huge step forward in smartphone protection, it can also be used to make iTunes purchases. Instead of typing in a password every time you buy a song or app, pressing your fingerprint against the scanner will bypass that step.

This ultra-thin sensor lives on top of the tactile touch home button. It will be able to read multiple fingerprints, in case the iPhone is shared.
Apple also cited research that about half of smartphone users do not have a passcode set up on their device.
This story is developing ...
Apple CEO Tim Cook opens the event.
Craig Federighi, senior vice president of software engineering, demonstrates iOS 7, Apple's forthcoming mobile operating system. Federighi announced it will be available for free Sept. 18.
The new device comes in five colors.
Philip W. Schiller, senior vice president of worldwide marketing at Apple, reveals the pricing for the iPhone 5C.
The new device comes in three colors.
Philip W. Schiller, senior vice president of worldwide marketing at Apple, reveals the iPhone 5S.
Schiller speaks about the iPhone 5S.
The iPhone 5S can scan your fingerprint.
People arrive for the product announcement.
Members of the press await Apple's product announcement outside the company's Cupertino, Calif., headquarters
The musician played his new song "Tripwire."
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