iOS 12.1 beta confirms Face ID on iPad Pro, will work in both landscape and portrait modes...

AppleInsider · October 25, 2018 10:24PM

A string of code unearthed in the latest iOS 12.1 beta offers instructions to set up Face ID authentication on iPad, seemingly confirming integration of the technology in an iPad Pro refresh expected for unveiling next week.

Purported render of Apple's next-generation iPad Pro.

Shared in a tweet by 9to5Mac's Guilherme Rambo, the iOS code snippet provides parameters for using Face ID on iPad.

Specifically, the code appears to be an excerpt from Apple's initial iOS device setup process, and calls for users to "Lift and Rotate iPad" into portrait mode to configure Face ID.

"Face ID needs to be in portrait to learn how to recognize you. After Face ID has been set up, it will work in portrait and landscape."

An option to "Set up Later in Settings" is also provided.

Rumors of a Face ID-equipped iPad Pro have circulated for nearly a year, as analysts and insiders predicted Apple to build its latest biometric security technology into the flagship tablet. In July, an initial iOS 12 beta build included iPad-specific tools for creating and using Animoji and Memoji, avatar features exclusive to the TrueDepth camera system that underpins Face ID.

More recent rumblings hinted at multi-orientation support for Face ID, as seen in today's code discovery, while rumors earlier this month suggest the slate will feature a new magnetic connector.

Apple is widely expected to launch revamped iPad Pro models at a special event in New York on Oct. 30. The new slates are rumored to come in 12.9- and 11-inch sizes, and feature a full-face design with reduced bezels thanks to Face ID integration. A second-generation Apple Pencil is also anticipated.

AppleInsider will be attending Apple's "There's more in the making" event on Oct 30th, where we expect new iPad Pros, and maybe even new Macs! Keep up with our coverage by downloading the AppleInsider app for iOS, and follow us on YouTube, Twitter @appleinsider and Facebook for live, late-breaking coverage. You can also check out our official Instagram account for exclusive photos.

netrox · October 25, 2018 11:41PM

Why can't iPhone do the same as well? Sometimes I pick the iPhone the landscape mode. I don't see any technical reasons why it cannot be done.

ireland · October 26, 2018 12:09AM

netrox said:

Why can't iPhone do the same as well? Sometimes I pick the iPhone the landscape mode. I don't see any technical reasons why it cannot be done.

I don’t know, but given iPad is used it both orientations the hardware sensors could be different.

edited October 2018

pickurpoison · October 26, 2018 12:10AM

netrox said:

Why can't iPhone do the same as well? Sometimes I pick the iPhone the landscape mode. I don't see any technical reasons why it cannot be done.

As I understand it has to do with the coverage angle of the dot projector. A couple of possibilities: maybe there two TrueDepth systems on the iPad Pro, one on the long edge for landscape and one on the short edge for portrait. Or maybe one TrueDepth camera but two dot projectors, with one aimed at a different angle, or possibly rotated 90° wrt the other. Since there is no notch they have more flexibility with component placement; they don’t need to be grouped close together like on the iPhone.

edited October 2018

ericthehalfbee · October 26, 2018 12:11AM

$90 billion quarter coming up.

drewys808 · October 26, 2018 1:21AM

I’m all for removing the home button to make way for additional screen space, but I’m skeptical that Face ID is the best way to login. It’s a matter of “mechanics” — the iPad often sits on a desk or lap where people often turn it on, it’s not directly facing the users face. The iPhone is smaller and easier to turn towards your face to login. It’s a subtle thing, but kind of a nuisance. Maybe it’s just my pet peeve.

I’d probably get one nevertheless. It’s too bad your hand can’t be used as biometric authentication instead of the face. Or can it??

cheesefreeze · October 26, 2018 1:30AM

drewys808 said:

I’m all for removing the home button to make way for additional screen space, but I’m skeptical that Face ID is the best way to login. It’s a matter of “mechanics” — the iPad often sits on a desk or lap where people often turn it on, it’s not directly facing the users face. The iPhone is smaller and easier to turn towards your face to login. It’s a subtle thing, but kind of a nuisance. Maybe it’s just my pet peeve.

I’d probably get one nevertheless. It’s too bad your hand can’t be used as biometric authentication instead of the face. Or can it??

I think you’re making a good point there. To me these ‘small things’ matter a lot.
Apple tends to prioritize aesthetics above usability more than they used to these days.

dunks · October 26, 2018 1:57AM

Ready to upgrade my iPad Air 2.

rogifan_new · October 26, 2018 2:10AM

So will it work in 2 orientations or 4? If only two how will you know what’s considered right side up? I hope with this hardware change Apple finally changes the Apple logo on the back to landscape.

iqatedo · October 26, 2018 2:12AM

I am still using my first generation iPad - each day. I'll be ordering the new iPad and pencil upon release. Kid in a candy store!!!

mejsric · October 26, 2018 2:13AM

netrox said:

Why can't iPhone do the same as well? Sometimes I pick the iPhone the landscape mode. I don't see any technical reasons why it cannot be done.

wait next year..

aloysius · October 26, 2018 2:23AM

drewys808 said:

I’m all for removing the home button to make way for additional screen space, but I’m skeptical that Face ID is the best way to login. It’s a matter of “mechanics” — the iPad often sits on a desk or lap where people often turn it on, it’s not directly facing the users face. The iPhone is smaller and easier to turn towards your face to login. It’s a subtle thing, but kind of a nuisance. Maybe it’s just my pet peeve.

I’d probably get one nevertheless. It’s too bad your hand can’t be used as biometric authentication instead of the face. Or can it??

I don’t get this. If you’re using a iPad, you’re looking at the screen. If you’re looking at the screen, then FaceID will unlock it. In what use case are you using an iPad without looking at the screen.

Having an X and an iPad Pro, I hate having to use TouchID now. FaceID is so much easier. Especially on an iPad where the home button is useless.

drewys808 · October 26, 2018 2:45AM

Aloysius said:

drewys808 said:

I’m all for removing the home button to make way for additional screen space, but I’m skeptical that Face ID is the best way to login. It’s a matter of “mechanics” — the iPad often sits on a desk or lap where people often turn it on, it’s not directly facing the users face. The iPhone is smaller and easier to turn towards your face to login. It’s a subtle thing, but kind of a nuisance. Maybe it’s just my pet peeve.

I’d probably get one nevertheless. It’s too bad your hand can’t be used as biometric authentication instead of the face. Or can it??

I don’t get this. If you’re using a iPad, you’re looking at the screen. If you’re looking at the screen, then FaceID will unlock it. In what use case are you using an iPad without looking at the screen.

Having an X and an iPad Pro, I hate having to use TouchID now. FaceID is so much easier. Especially on an iPad where the home button is useless.

As I mentioned, iPad is flat on the table or on your lap....the light projectors/sensors are not pointed at your face. Happens on iPhone too when you want to turn it on while it’s sitting on a desk or table and you then have to hover your face directly above the iPhone (or tilt the iPhone). iPad may be even more awkward because it’s bigger and the sensor may be even deeper/farther from you.

I’m not trying to convince anyone that it’s a problem. Just anticipating the awkwardness of Face ID that’s all.

edited October 2018

aloysius · October 26, 2018 3:24AM

drewys808 said:

Aloysius said:

drewys808 said:

I’m all for removing the home button to make way for additional screen space, but I’m skeptical that Face ID is the best way to login. It’s a matter of “mechanics” — the iPad often sits on a desk or lap where people often turn it on, it’s not directly facing the users face. The iPhone is smaller and easier to turn towards your face to login. It’s a subtle thing, but kind of a nuisance. Maybe it’s just my pet peeve.

I’d probably get one nevertheless. It’s too bad your hand can’t be used as biometric authentication instead of the face. Or can it??

I don’t get this. If you’re using a iPad, you’re looking at the screen. If you’re looking at the screen, then FaceID will unlock it. In what use case are you using an iPad without looking at the screen.

Having an X and an iPad Pro, I hate having to use TouchID now. FaceID is so much easier. Especially on an iPad where the home button is useless.

As I mentioned, iPad is flat on the table or on your lap....the light projectors/sensors are not pointed at your face. Happens on iPhone too when you want to turn it on while it’s sitting on a desk or table and you then have to hover your face directly above the iPhone (or tilt the iPhone). iPad may be even more awkward because it’s bigger and the sensor may be even deeper/farther from you.

I’m not trying to convince anyone that it’s a problem. Just anticipating the awkwardness of Face ID that’s all.

I must use an iPad differently than you. I can’t imagine using it flat on a table. Why would you use it flat?

It’s usually always angled toward me. Even on my lap. I would imagine the angle for FaceID would be designed with the typical viewing angles and distance in mind. There’s a much bigger area for sensors too.

anome · October 26, 2018 3:24AM

PickUrPoison said:

netrox said:

Why can't iPhone do the same as well? Sometimes I pick the iPhone the landscape mode. I don't see any technical reasons why it cannot be done.

As I understand it has to do with the coverage angle of the dot projector. A couple of possibilities: maybe there two TrueDepth systems on the iPad Pro, one on the long edge for landscape and one on the short edge for portrait. Or maybe one TrueDepth camera but two dot projectors, with one aimed at a different angle, or possibly rotated 90° wrt the other. Since there is no notch they have more flexibility with component placement; they don’t need to be grouped close together like on the iPhone.

From what I've seen, coverage of the dot projector shouldn't be a problem. Even if it is on the current iPhone, there's no reason they couldn't build a new one that covers both scenarios. It should be just a software problem, orienting the face. That's not difficult. (Says the definitely not a software engineer, with no experience in face recognition based solely on stuff he's read about such things and poorly remembered Comp Sci from 30 years ago.)

Curiously, if it is an issue with the coverage, then it should be possible to proof of concept it with upside-down FaceID. (The phone upside-down relative to the face, that is. As mentioned elsewhere, if you're hanging upside down, the shape of your face changes in interesting ways presenting a non-trivial, but also not insurmountable, challenge.)

strangedays · October 26, 2018 3:55AM

netrox said:

Why can't iPhone do the same as well? Sometimes I pick the iPhone the landscape mode. I don't see any technical reasons why it cannot be done.

You’re probably also not an electrical engineer.

I’m sure they’ll figure it out soon enough.

strangedays · October 26, 2018 3:58AM

CheeseFreeze said:

drewys808 said:

I’m all for removing the home button to make way for additional screen space, but I’m skeptical that Face ID is the best way to login. It’s a matter of “mechanics” — the iPad often sits on a desk or lap where people often turn it on, it’s not directly facing the users face. The iPhone is smaller and easier to turn towards your face to login. It’s a subtle thing, but kind of a nuisance. Maybe it’s just my pet peeve.

I’d probably get one nevertheless. It’s too bad your hand can’t be used as biometric authentication instead of the face. Or can it??

I think you’re making a good point there. To me these ‘small things’ matter a lot.
Apple tends to prioritize aesthetics above usability more than they used to these days.

Nah that’s just “things used to be better back in my day!” syndrome.

If you use the screen then Face ID will see you. It’s not like they don’t think of these things.

strangedays · October 26, 2018 3:59AM

rogifan_new said:

So will it work in 2 orientations or 4? If only two how will you know what’s considered right side up? I hope with this hardware change Apple finally changes the Apple logo on the back to landscape.

Will not happen. Despite your use case most people hold it like a book or magazine.

mattinoz · October 26, 2018 5:54AM

rogifan_new said:

So will it work in 2 orientations or 4? If only two how will you know what’s considered right side up? I hope with this hardware change Apple finally changes the Apple logo on the back to landscape.

Current iPad doesn't care if I put the home button at the top.

Has to be 4... or it really is a fail.

Question to me is will the system track my eyes and lock orrientation to my face even if gyro says otherwise?

edited October 2018

rogifan_new · October 28, 2018 10:02PM

StrangeDays said:

rogifan_new said:

So will it work in 2 orientations or 4? If only two how will you know what’s considered right side up? I hope with this hardware change Apple finally changes the Apple logo on the back to landscape.

Will not happen. Despite your use case most people hold it like a book or magazine.

Most people hold the 12.9” iPad like a book? I highly doubt it.

rogifan_new · October 28, 2018 10:06PM

mattinoz said:

rogifan_new said:

So will it work in 2 orientations or 4? If only two how will you know what’s considered right side up? I hope with this hardware change Apple finally changes the Apple logo on the back to landscape.

Current iPad doesn't care if I put the home button at the top.
Has to be 4... or it really is a fail.

Question to me is will the system track my eyes and lock orrientation to my face even if gyro says otherwise?

Seems like it would be difficult to get Face ID to work from the opposite end of the camera. Somehow though Apple will need to make it clear what’s up and down.

iOS 12.1 beta confirms Face ID on iPad Pro, will work in both landscape and portrait modes...

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