Apple to debut new iPhone on top four US carriers

Apple Inc's simultaneous debut of it newest iPhone offering on all four top US carriers would test the loyalty of customers at AT&T Inc and Verizon Wireless.

The latest version of the iPhone, to be introduced today, would be introduced by T-Mobile US Inc along with Verizon and AT&T, leading to heightened competition.

The move might see consumers opting to make full payment for a new phone, rather than sign a two-year subscription for a discount, giving an added edge to T-Mobile, which did not require users to sign a contract.

AT&T had enjoyed exclusive rights to the iPhone until 2011, when Verizon Wireless started selling the device, to be followed later the same year by Sprint Corp.

Meanwhile, according to The Wall Street Journal, Apple would include a fingerprint scanner on a high-end iPhone and an announcement to that effect is expected to be made today.

The introduction of the device would mark the end to use of four-digit passcodes on iPhones.

The new technology would work with a simple touch on the front of the smartphone, the idea being to stay ahead of fool thieves and hackers.

Apple has been reported to be entering fingerprint technology. The company acquired fingerprint sensor and identity management software company Authentec last year, amid rumours that the technology would be used in its new devices.

In July, the US Patent and Trademark Office published an Apple patent application that described a technology in which a sensor is used to trace a person's finger and fingerprint and determine, based on that, if they had proper credentials.

Then, last week, leaked photos surfaced that suggested Apple's next iPhone would integrate fingerprint scanning technology on its home button.

According to The Wall Street Journal, if Apple were to include  a fingerprint scanner on its rumored iPhone 5S, it would likely see other smartphone makers follow suit.