A Bloomberg journalist is predicting that Face ID will make its way into Mac computers sometime within the next two years. Apple’s facial recognition system has been a fixture of its high-end iPhones for several years now, but has yet to make its way into desktop and laptop devices.
However, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman believes that that is poised to change. In the latest issue of his Power On newsletter, he argues that Apple will eventually make Face ID the primary authentication option in all of its devices, including Macbook and iMac computers in addition to its more budget-friendly iPhone and iPad product lines.
As it stands, Face ID is one of the differentiating features of Apple’s premium devices. More affordable alternatives like the iPhone SE and the iPad Air still rely on fingerprint recognition, and Apple has continued to iterate on its Touch ID technology with a series of patents and patent applications, including several that concern a possible in-display authentication system.
Gurman nevertheless believes that Apple is planning to phase out its touch-based technology, if only because a fingerprint sensor has less utility than a facial recognition camera. For example, a Face ID system can support both security and augmented reality applications, while a Touch ID sensor is used almost exclusively for security. As a result, he predicts that Apple will eventually do away with Touch ID, even if the convenience does appeal to consumers.
Once that day comes, streamlined design will distinguish the different tiers of Apple devices. Premium smartphones will get rid of the notch and deliver a camera embedded in the screen, while cheaper devices will continue to have some sort of bezel.
The Macbook’s thinner screen has prevented the inclusion of a Face ID camera in the past. Apple has already filed a patent application for a face-based authentication system for laptop and desktop computers.
Source: Mac Rumors
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