The facial-recognition feature has been a part of iPhones for years looks like it might finally be making its way to MacBooks too. It is not a confirmed feature though…yet. A new patent filed by Apple, that was approved, shows that they are still at least considering replacing Touch ID with Face ID in the MacBook lineup.
But, let me just share an experience I had relating to this. I was answering a question on the Apple Discussions Support Community, with the question about whether there being Face ID on MacBooks. I did happen to mention seeing the latest patent from Apple about Face ID on MacBooks. Here was my response:
I do not know what you mean. There is no facial recognition software on MacBooks. There is only Touch ID, which is a great alternative. I did happen to see that Apple filed a patent for Face ID on MacBooks, so you maybe could look forward to that in the future?
After I posted my response, a couple hours later Apple notified me that they had removed my post, saying it was “speculative.” Since Apple had to actually remove my post within such a short time, it must have triggered something worth noticing. Does that mean that Face ID may be arriving sooner than we think? This year or next year even? There is no evidence beyond this to support Apple implementing Face ID anytime soon for the MacBooks, but we’ll see!
So, what does the patent say? In simple terms, translating it through technical Apple language, it lays the groundwork for Face ID built into the notch of the MacBook. In the rest of the patent, Apple describes how Face ID works in comparison to the MacBook, rather than on iPhone.
I know that Face ID would be an exciting feature to look forward to, but what would it look like? To Apple actually make this an important feature that would be valued by consumers, they would have to Apple would have to incorporate it seamlessly into something users already know and love: the Dynamic Island. It would fit perfectly on Mac, showcasing all the things happening at once with a complex online workflow. It could sync with iPhone too, to show you everything that’s happening, but still incorporating the Face ID into it as well. Here’s a render of it:
Overall, the recent patent filed by Apple has generated a lot of buzz about the possibility of Face ID on MacBooks, giving consumers something to look forward to. There’s no telling when it will be officially announced, but it will certainly be worth the wait.
You can dive deeper into the patent with an article from 9to5mac: https://9to5mac.com/2023/08/15/macbook-face-id/
The Apple Enthusiast 