Apple’s Touch ID module, currently exclusive for the iPhone 5S, will make its way to all the new iOS device in 2014 boosting shipments by more than 233 percent, claims a new report.
In recent research report, Ming-Chi Kuo, analyst of KGI Securities, anticipates Touch ID scanners to expand across Apple’s line up with new components made of tin to increase durability and greasy-poke-resistance.
“Apple’s Touch ID module should see shipments soar 233% in 2014. We believe every new iOS device launched this year will be equipped with Touch ID, including 4.7” and 5.5” new iPhone 6, iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 2 with Retina display,” said Kuo.
“Considering shipments of new products and iPhone 5S sales last longer than in 2013, we forecast unit sales of the fingerprint sensor module to grow 233% to 120M for 2014.”
Kuo estimates Touch ID module shipments to increase from 36 million in 2013 to 120 million in 2014 and to be up by around 200 percent to 233 million units in 2015.
Kuo also notes that Apple will start using tin over the previously used metals in a push to enhance its durability. The company is also said to stick with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and its subsidiary XinTec for manufacturing the fingerprint sensors, while ASE and Sharp are expected to handle the redistribution of the module.
This falls in line with the rumours that TSMC has delivered its first batch of fingerprint sensors for the iPhone 6, iPad Air 2, and iPad mini 3, earlier this month.
Apple’s next flagship device iPhone 6 is expected to be launched in 2 sizes later this year. Rumours have it that the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 will be the first to hit the market in August, while its larger 5.5-inch variant will be announced in September. With this new report from Kuo, both the versions are expected to feature Touch ID fingerprint sensor.
