You Might Soon Be Able To Unlock MacBook Using Face ID, New Patent Reveals

Apple Inc.’s AAPL Face ID technology, long admired for its security prowess on iPhones, is now expected to trickle down on the MacBook Pro and iMac.

What Happened: A patent granted earlier this week, titled “Light Recognition Module for Determining a User of a Computing Device,” has shed light on Apple’s plans to integrate its Face ID’s cutting-edge biometric authentication system into the tech giant’s laptop and desktop lineup.

It underscores the growing need for safeguarding sensitive data stored on these devices. 

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“Recent advances in computing devices have enabled users to perform a variety of complex functions such as internet browsing, chatting, word processing, graphic design, video editing, and so forth. By performing these complex functions, sensitive data associated with these users may be gathered and/or stored by these computing devices,” the patent read.

 “To prevent unauthorized users from accessing this sensitive data, these computing devices may incorporate systems and mechanisms for authenticating users.”

The Cupertino, California-based tech giant’s approach centers around a “light pattern recognition module,” which comprises a light emitter capable of projecting a specific light pattern and a light detector that interprets the reflected pattern from a user’s face. 

Notably, the Face ID module will likely find its place within a designated partition, possibly in the form of a notch, circle, ellipse, or other shapes adjacent to or above the display, reported AppleInsider.

While the patent primarily addresses MacBook models, a single illustration hints at the potential integration of the Face ID notch into an iMac-style chassis, suggesting broader applications for the technology. 

This move follows Apple’s historical trajectory, reminiscent of how Touch ID began on iPhones before expanding to iPads and MacBooks.

Why It’s Important: It’s crucial to remember that securing a patent doesn’t serve as concrete evidence of an upcoming product launch. 

Nevertheless, given Apple’s prior official declaration of extending Face ID to more devices and the striking resemblance with the progression of Touch ID, this technology may find its way into the Mac ecosystem, the report noted. 

If Face ID on your iPhone isn’t working, try following these steps. 

Image Credits – Shutterstock

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