Is it ever too early to begin predicting NFC and mobile payments on the next iPhone? Of course not! And this time, predictable predictions about NFC come with an extra portion of cool: fingerprint sensors.

According to 9to5Mac.com, a fingerprint sensor will be added to the next iPhone, presumably the iPhone 5S, along with NFC to secure and enable mobile payments.

The source for this rumor is the China Times, which claims that Taiwanese company Chipbond will provide the necessary technology to make it all work.

9to5Mac.com admits that "details of the translated report remain sketchy." (It's possible something is lost in the translation too. When run through Google Translate, the headline on the article reads "Chipbond to eat iPhone 5S single.") However, last year Apple did acquire Authentec, a provider of such solutions, so it's not outside the realm of possibility.

Prior to the launch of both of the iPhone 4S and the iPhone 5, each was reported to include NFC technology. Of course, neither did, dashing the hopes of NFC supporters who believe that NFC-enabled iPhones will ensure widespread adoption of the technology, and of payments using NFC.

Apple has stayed characteristically mum on about the new iPhone 5S. It reportedly will be launched this June.

Read more about contactless/NFC.