Malcolm Owen
Apple could be bringing Face ID over from iPhone to Mac within a few years, according to a report, with the added possibility of using cameras embedded in the display itself.
In terms of security, the Mac and MacBook lineup still largely depend on passwords and, in some cases, Touch ID. While iPhones and iPads currently benefit from using Face ID as a biometric security mechanism, it is proposed that it could make its way to the Mac product lines in the future.
According to Mark Gurman's latest "Power On" newsletter for Bloomberg, the change to Face ID is anticipated to happen "within a couple of years." The move will apparently be part of a general shift of all applicable products over to Face ID.
Currently, the MacBook Pro lineup, the 24-inch iMac, the iPhone SE, iPad Air, and iPad all use Touch ID for biometric security.
According to Gurman, the changes would include an embedding of a camera into the display, though this may be saved for the more expensive models in respective ranges. Doing so would effectively eliminate the need for a notch at the top of the display.
A move to push Mac towards Face ID is beneficial to Apple beyond providing users an alternative authentication system. Unlike Touch ID, Face ID's hardware also enables depth mapping, and in turn augmented reality applications.
The concept of Face ID on MacBooks have been circulating for a while, with Apple demonstrating in patent applications that it was considering the addition for some time. However, such a change would require major alterations to the design of the MacBook, due to the incredibly thin lids, though such concerns aren't an issue for thicker desktop Macs like the 24-inch iMac.
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14 Comments
There’s really no good reason FaceID couldn’t have been added already to Macs. IT would be an awesome addition to both usability and security. I’ve seen some postulate that there isn’t the ability to store the information for multiple users, but the vast majority of Macs are personal devices that have a single account.
Hmmm I think there are some arguably good reasons.
also, FaceID hardware is used for more than just FaceID; the invisible infrared dot emitters are used for stuff like Portrait Mode and 3D scanning that just don’t have a lot of utility on the Mac.
it’s sure to come along sooner or later but I don’t blame Apple for considering it a low priority.
Apple is still best in many areas, but likewise a little slow, as I feel.
This could have already been done but knowing Apple they like to roll out the same features to all their products slowly for more profit.