Is Apple trying to ditch the iPhone's home button?

Apple has already ditched the headphone jack. Is the home button next?(CNN) - The company was granted a patent for a new screen-based fingerprint sensor on Tuesday. If it works, the technology would allow users to scan their fingerprint anywhere on a screen and eliminate the need for a home button on iPhones.
Apple's desire to get rid of the physical home button is one of the big rumors surrounding the next generation of the smartphone.
Apple (AAPL, Tech30) has not confirmed its plans, and the n