A recently released patent reveals that Apple plans to incorporate its Face ID biometric authentication system into its MacBook Pro and iMac lineup.
The patent entitled “Light Recognition Module for Determining a User of a Computing Device” details the how and why of this technology.
The reason for integrating this technology into Apple devices is twofold: the first and most obvious is to allow users more options when it comes to unlocking their devices. Especially considering that the use of passwords and pins, while useful in their own right, can easily be exploited if an unauthorized user gains access to any of them. However, Face ID solves this problem by using your face to unlock a device, which means a much lower chance of someone breaking into your MacBook or iMac.
The second reason, used by Apple in the patent, is that people tend to perform complex tasks involving sensitive and vulnerable information. Since Face ID technology is much more personalized and theoretically more effective than other forms of device locking, this method better protects your personal data from unauthorized access. Not to mention, the technology used for Face ID, which is small enough to fit on your iPhone, shouldn’t compromise the size or functionality of even the best MacBook or Mac.
In the patent, computer-connected Face ID uses “a light pattern recognition module that can be embedded within a computing device (e.g., laptop, notebook, desktop, etc.).” The form should be in a partition, which could be “a notch, circle, ellipse, shape, series of shapes, curvilinear shape, or similar. Considering MacBooks and iMacs are already known for their notches, it would most likely be built into the notch on MacBooks, which would help keep that profile slim and compact.
There’s also the fact that the path taken by Face ID was the same as Touch ID, another Apple innovation. Touch ID first came out for iPhone, then migrated to iPad and then MacBook. Face ID also started on the iPhone and now this patent appears. There seems to be a good chance that Face ID is coming to Mac computers and laptops.
Apple falls behind again
Honestly, not only is this technology incredibly useful for protecting sensitive data stored on your Mac device, but it’s a long overdue feature.
Windows 11 laptops from a range of brands already have access to fingerprint technology for facial recognition and Windows Hello to lock and unlock them. The fact that Apple is only now considering incorporating that kind of technology into the best MacBook Pros and iMacs is embarrassing to say the least.
Especially considering the price of MacBook Pros and iMacs, which are already quite high and yet lack features their competitors had for years. Let’s hope this technology disappears relatively soon and is also included in the MacBook Air which are some of the most popular laptops from Apple.
