Circulating rumors suggest the next generation iPad will sport a thinner and lighter design, just like it has in previous revisions. One unknown feature is the inclusion of the fingerprint sensor, which made its debut in the iPhone 5s. Conventional wisdom would point to the presence of Touch ID, as Apple would likely want to keep this hardware feature consistent across its iOS devices. Then again, there may be other factors at play that would prevent Apple from making that leap. I’ve already presented a few reasons why we may see a fingerprint sensor in the next iPad, below is the counterpoint with a few reasons why we might see the standard home button once again in Apple’s iPad models.
As pointed out by 9to5Mac, there are several reasons why Apple may pass on the fingerprint technology in its next iPad model. First, Apple may want to keep the Touch ID as an exclusive feature for the iPhone 5s. It’s a premiere phone and it deserves the premiere features. It’s also very possible that the supply of sapphire and other materials for the fingerprint sensor is limited. If Apple can’t make enough Touch ID modules to meet the demand for the iPhone 5s, how can it expect to release another device with the same technology?
The iPad is a social device, more so than the iPhone, which is up close and personal. Because you are more likely to share an iPad with your friends and family, it would make sense that Apple would wait on the Touch ID until the OS supports multiple profiles. These profiles could take advantage of the Touch ID and allow a person to easily authenticate and load up their own apps and settings. This latter reason is a bit of stretch, but not by much, Apple is known for adding features when they benefit the consumer. What better way to use the fingerprint sensor in an iPad than multi-user authentication?
With the announcement of the next generation iPad expected late this month, don’t be surprised if we revisit this topic again. Given what we know now about the iPad, iPhone 5s and Touch ID, do you think it will land in the next generation iPad models?
[Via 9to5Mac]
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