We now know a bit more about the fingerprint scanner on Apple's new iPhone 5S, specifically how it deals with security.
Even though you can use the fingerprint scanner to unlock your phone and make iTunes purchases, you’ll still need to create a traditional passcode for your phone in order to use the technology.
See also: iPhone 5S Fingerprint Sensor Will Soon Have Competition
A Wall Street Journal report on Thursday revealed that if you leave your iPhone 5S untouched for 48 hours straight, you won’t be able to use the device’s fingerprint scanner to wake it up. Instead, you'll need to resort to the more traditional method of plugging in your passcode. The same goes for logging into your phone after a reboot.
Early tests also reportedly show that the scanner has difficulty with sweaty or wet fingers, as well as those that have been scarred. In those cases, however, you can always use a different finger with the scanner.
Apple’s Touch ID sensor, which can be set up to work with multiple fingers, takes a photograph of your fingerprint and then stores the encrypted data on your phone’s processor. It scans at a 500 ppi resolution, the level of resolution required to be considered for government use.
What do you think about Apple’s fingerprint scanner? Will you use it instead of a traditional passcode?
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.
The musician played his new song "Tripwire."
People arrive for the product announcement.
Members of the press await Apple's product announcement outside the company's Cupertino, Calif., headquarters
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