When Apple brought Touch ID over to their Mac computers, many had rightfully figured that it was only a matter of time before Face ID was also introduced. After all, some of Apple's Mac computers do come with built-in webcams, so why not fit the Face ID components under there as well, right?
Turns out, we were right, sort of. A new report from Bloomberg has revealed that Apple has apparently developed Face ID for the Mac. The report claims that Apple had originally intended for Face ID to make an appearance with the 2021 iMac (which has also been rumored for a redesign), but for whatever reason the company is now choosing to delay the launch and will skip the first iteration of the new design.
One of the key selling points of Apple's new iPhone X is Face ID, the facial recognition system for logging users in. Apple claims it's fast, easy and secure, and on paper, it sounds like a step up. In other words, support for Face ID will only come in next year's iMac models, and may appear alongside a built-in 5G connection. Of course, Face ID support may appear in other Mac launches this.
The Face ID hardware consists of a sensor with three modules; a dot projector that projects a grid of small infrared dots onto a user's face, a module called the flood illuminator that shines infrared light at the face, and an infrared camera which takes an infrared picture of the user, reads the resulting pattern and generates a 3D facial map. Apple's plans to bring Face ID authentication to the Mac this year have been delayed, according to a recent report. Face ID debuted in 2017's iPhone X and has been a key feature of Apple's flagship.
One of the technical challenges of Face ID for the Mac would be trying to place the dot projector into the camera. On the iPhone and iPad, this isn't an issue given how 'thick' the devices are, but we imagine that this could pose an issue for the MacBooks. However, the iMac seems like it would have enough space, so we can't say for sure why Apple is delaying it.
Perhaps they are hoping to get Face ID small enough where they can fit it across all their devices, but that's just speculation on our part. Either way, it's still somewhat good news to know that Apple is considering the feature, so now it's just a matter of waiting to see when it might make its debut.
Filed in . Read more about Face Id, Macos and Security. Source: bloomberg
Face Id On Macbook
Apple is reportedly working on a major redesign for its Mac portfolio this year. The most important one is a design upgrade for iMacs. The Cupertino giant is said to be planning to launch two new iMacs – carrying the internal name J456 and J457 – this year. These will replace the existing Intel-powered 21.5-inch and 27-inch models as they will come with Apple's own silicon. Apple was also rumored to be working on bringing Face ID support to its Mac lineup with the iMac later this year. However, it doesn't seem like that's going to happen.
The development comes from the Bloomberg report that revealed information about the upcoming redesigned MacBook Air. Alongside mentioning a slew of changes for the next iteration of MacBook Air, the report also adds information about the upcoming iMac. The report says:
Face Id On Imac
'Apple has also developed underlying Mac support for both cellular connectivity — the ability for Macs to connect to the internet via smartphone networks — and Face ID, the company's facial recognition system.'
Filed in . Read more about Face Id, Macos and Security. Source: bloomberg
Face Id On Macbook
Apple is reportedly working on a major redesign for its Mac portfolio this year. The most important one is a design upgrade for iMacs. The Cupertino giant is said to be planning to launch two new iMacs – carrying the internal name J456 and J457 – this year. These will replace the existing Intel-powered 21.5-inch and 27-inch models as they will come with Apple's own silicon. Apple was also rumored to be working on bringing Face ID support to its Mac lineup with the iMac later this year. However, it doesn't seem like that's going to happen.
The development comes from the Bloomberg report that revealed information about the upcoming redesigned MacBook Air. Alongside mentioning a slew of changes for the next iteration of MacBook Air, the report also adds information about the upcoming iMac. The report says:
Face Id On Imac
'Apple has also developed underlying Mac support for both cellular connectivity — the ability for Macs to connect to the internet via smartphone networks — and Face ID, the company's facial recognition system.'
However, it goes on to mention that none of these features appear to be coming soon. Face ID is said to be a part of a plan that involved including it in this year's iMac redesign. But, it is now unlikely to be included in the first iteration of the new design. Google chrome 64x download.
For context, Apple's Face ID feature allows a device to be unlocked with a facial scan. However, it is limited to iPhone and iPad Pro portfolio, and it is long-speculated to debut on Macs, especially to rival Windows Hello that works like a charm every time I open my Surface. The macOS Big Sur Beta codes have also suggested that Apple is planning to bring the facial biometric unlock option to its Mac lineup. However, it isn't happening this year.
