Apple may be working on implementing liquidmetal alloy into the iPhone 6.

In 2010, Apple made a deal with Liquidmetal Technologies. The agreement gave Apple the right to use Liquidmetal Technology's metal alloy technologies.

Apple has yet to release an iPhone featuring liquidmetal alloy, but MacRumors is citing new patent applications that point to the technology being in the works for the iPhone 6's home button, touch sensors and tamper-resistant screws.

"One of these patent applications proposes using Liquidmetal alloys in pressure sensors such as those found in buttons and switches on mobile devices, offering greater durability under repeated use," MacRumors reports. "Figures accompanying the patent application closely resemble the iconic home button found on Apple's iOS devices."

The patents have yet to be proven to belong to Apple, but according to MacRumors, "the inventors listed on the patents are Apple employees who have routinely been associated with the company's work on Liquidmetal alloys in the past."

New rumors recently pointed to a later release for the iPhone 6 than previously expected as some of its new features will not begin production until 2014's second quarter.

DigiTimes reports that the iPhone 6 will feature fingerprint sensors produced by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). The website cites "industry sources," and claims that production "at its 12-inch fab using a 65nm process" will not begin until the second quarter of this year.

"[Sources say] SMC is also expected to handle the backend wafer level-chip scale packaging (WL-CSP) process in house, instead of subcontracting the packaging process to IC backend service firms as done previously..." DigiTimes said.

As a result, previous rumors pointing at a May release seem less likely. Peter Misek, a Jefferies analyst, believes that Apple will launch the iPhone 6 in June 2014. According to the analyst, the smartphone's improved display, including enhanced colors, will hinder the device's release.

"Mr. Misek also noted that the supply chain is primed for an iPhone 5S and pivoting to the iPhone 6 will take at least two or three quarters," Financial Post reports.

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