A leaked photo of what purports to be the fifth generation iPad with the same Touch ID sensor found on the iPhone 5s has surfaced, adding to the rumors that Apple's next tablet will support using your fingerprints instead of passcodes to access apps and make iTunes Store purchases.
A photo at CtechCN shows what looks like Touch ID on the next iPad model
The photo showing the Touch ID sensor-enabled Home button appeared on the Chinese website CtechCN (English translation), and based on the dimensions it also seems to confirm reports that the next iPad will sport a thinner bezel, just like the current iPad mini.
Apple hasn't announced new iPad models yet but is expected to do so at a still unannounced media event later this month. The new iPad is rumored to be thinner and narrower with a body style that matches the iPad mini. It may also sport a 64-bit A7 processor like the iPhone 5s, and a better camera.
The new iPad mini is expected to include a high resolution Retina Display as well as a faster processor and possibly Touch ID, too.
Touch ID is Apple's new fingerprint scanning technology that was introduced as part of the iPhone 5s in September. The scanner is built into the Home button and works as an alternative to user's unlock passcodes and as an authentication system when making purchases through the iTunes Store and App Store. So far it isn't open to third party apps, but developers are hoping that will change at some point in the future.
Until Apple officially announces new iPad models, we're stuck with rumors and speculation. That said, it does seem likely that the next 9.7-inch iPad will match the iPad mini's design and Touch ID looks like a fairly safe bet, too.