The launch of the iPhone 5s could be delayed until after June, due to problems with the new fingerprint-scanning feature that was designed by Apple in order to replace the passcode unlocking system. A source form a supply chain in Taiwan said Apple was trying to find a coating material that did not interfere with the fingerprint sensor.

In addition to the 5s, suppliers of Apple say the company is developing a cheaper model, that will appeal to lower income buyers in markets such as China and India. A Japanese supplier said that display panel productions are set to begin in May. The source said both phones will sport the 4 inch screen, but the cheaper version will not have the fingerprint scanner technology and will be cased with a cheaper plastic.

Apple’s fingerprint scanning technology has been expected ever since the company acquired biometric firm AuthenTec last year.

KGI Securities analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo said:

We expect [that] iPhone 5S will have a fingerprint chip under the Home button, improving security and usability.

With Samsung and other rivals gaining market share, suppliers and investors are unable to gauge the demand for the smartphone.

[Soure: The Telegraph]