Apple's new iPhone 5S opens up possibility of paying by fingerprint technology

The new smartphone, which was unveiled this week and goes on sale in the UK next Friday, will feature a fingerprint sensor called TouchID.

Fujitsu consultant David Lowrence said fingerprinting is already used for payment verification in Asia and that Apple’s use of the technology will spur wider use of digital wallets.

Security concerns have been one of the factors holding back adoption of mobile payment in store and developers will hope fingerprinting may allay these fears.

Forrester mobile analyst Thomas Husson said the technology is in its early days. “We need to first better understand how this new feature will be perceived by consumers. It may raise some identity and privacy concerns but could play a role in offering more security.”

However, Stephen Ebbett, global director of gadget insurer Protect Your Bubble says the technology has so far proved temperamental, with factors like sun exposure and dirt affecting how well it performs.

Apple’s upmarket iPhone 5S, as well as its cheaper 5C handset, is set to be a hit this Christmas.

Earlier this year John Lewis boss Andy Street predicted that its festive top seller would be Apple’s new launch.

The iPhone 5S launch comes as Apple faces increasing pressure from Samsung and other manufacturers of Android-based smartphones which have gained market share.