Code found in macOS Big Sur suggests Face ID could be coming to the Mac
Apple's TrueDepth camera technology and its Face ID biometric authentication system may be coming to future Mac models -- but it isn't clear when.
Credit: Apple
Face ID isn't currently supported on Mac devices because they lack a TrueDepth sensor suite. New snippets of code found in the third beta version of macOS Big Sur suggest that Apple is working to bring its facial recognition technology to the Mac platform.
Reportedly, the latest macOS Big Sur beta contains code references to something called "PearlCamera." That's significant because Apple has used the "Pearl" designation in the past to refer to Face ID.
Within those code snippets, unearthed by 9to5Mac in a new extension, there are also references to functions like "FaceDetect" and "BioCapture." Per the site, the code appears to be tailor-built for macOS and isn't leftover code from Apple's Catalyst technology.
Current MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models feature biometric authentication through a Touch ID fingerprint sensor.
It's also important to note that Apple's transition to Apple Silicon in its Macs could be essential to adopting Face ID in macOS. In its current form, Face ID relies heavily on the Neural Engine embedded in A-series chips such as the A12Z Bionic.
There are physical considerations here, too. The TrueDepth sensor suite requires space -- and there isn't much in the lid of a Mac model. Despite those hurdles, it appears Apple is already paving the way for Face ID-equipped Macs.
The first Apple Silicon Mac models could be a 12-inch MacBook refresh and a 13.3-inch MacBook Pro, both of which may be announced at an fall iPad and Mac keynote event on Oct. 27.
Apple has previously said that Face ID would be coming to "more" of its devices. While it didn't specifically mention the Mac, the company has filed for patents that essentially detail the facial biometric recognition system on an Apple computer.
Credit: Apple
Face ID isn't currently supported on Mac devices because they lack a TrueDepth sensor suite. New snippets of code found in the third beta version of macOS Big Sur suggest that Apple is working to bring its facial recognition technology to the Mac platform.
Reportedly, the latest macOS Big Sur beta contains code references to something called "PearlCamera." That's significant because Apple has used the "Pearl" designation in the past to refer to Face ID.
Within those code snippets, unearthed by 9to5Mac in a new extension, there are also references to functions like "FaceDetect" and "BioCapture." Per the site, the code appears to be tailor-built for macOS and isn't leftover code from Apple's Catalyst technology.
Current MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models feature biometric authentication through a Touch ID fingerprint sensor.
It's also important to note that Apple's transition to Apple Silicon in its Macs could be essential to adopting Face ID in macOS. In its current form, Face ID relies heavily on the Neural Engine embedded in A-series chips such as the A12Z Bionic.
There are physical considerations here, too. The TrueDepth sensor suite requires space -- and there isn't much in the lid of a Mac model. Despite those hurdles, it appears Apple is already paving the way for Face ID-equipped Macs.
The first Apple Silicon Mac models could be a 12-inch MacBook refresh and a 13.3-inch MacBook Pro, both of which may be announced at an fall iPad and Mac keynote event on Oct. 27.
Apple has previously said that Face ID would be coming to "more" of its devices. While it didn't specifically mention the Mac, the company has filed for patents that essentially detail the facial biometric recognition system on an Apple computer.
Comments
On an iPhone, which is is a mobile device, I hold my phone and look at the camera to unlock it. On a laptop I use my finger to unlock it. Very conscious actions.
And with that change lower the price again.
A fingerprint sensor would be unlikely on a keyboard on the other side of USB or bluetooth, and this device would have a secure enclave. A Face ID camera on these Macs would yield secure authentication just by sitting in front of the Mac - even more convenient than hitting a key or clicking the mouse while wearing an Apple Watch - though susceptible to interference if wearing a mask. (Who'd've thunk wearing a mask would be a thing?)
The Mac SoCs will need an external memory interface and PCIe lanes. It would be unreasonable to expect differing memory configurations in the SoC considering how many configurations TSMC would have to produce. They'd need PCIe for Thunderbolt support anyway, and that would open the door to discrete GPU support. On chip graphics would yield a much higher level of integrated graphics support - you'd only have to cut over to discrete when things got really heavy.
The T2 chip Mac is probably the 2020 Intel Mac - the one with an Intel Skylake 10910 CPU and a Navi 5300 GPU. Hopefully this puppy will go all the way up to a 5700, though it may be in the same form factor as the current iMacs. On one hand, no thinner bezels or Face ID for this model, but on the other hand fairly kicking performance, boot camp, and user upgradable RAM. Hopefully they can upgrade the amount of SSD and bring down the SSD prices as they did with the 16" MacBook Pro. This is my next Mac when it releases.
I just don't see Apple producing a fingerprint sensor on a keyboard, and truth to tell I'm not a big fan of Apple's chicklet keys anyway. Am I showing my age? Do they still make chicklets 🤔?
/covid19
On the iPhone, Touch ID allows 5 unique finger prints which can be anyone's, but Face ID only allows for one face (although you can add another with the Alternative Appearance option). No idea if the Alternative Appearance option will reduce the security of the biometric when used by another person.
On my MBP I have multiple accounts and I use a different fingerprint for different accounts. This wouldn't be possible with Face ID, but it really doesn't need to be. What probably does need to be resolved is being able to have many users on the same device with different faces who may be a very close genetic match (especially if they are a younger person).
I hope we get both options on the iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
There are major hurdles for keeping the authentication separate from the machine. One solution is to effectively use an Apple Watch SoC/SiP with a T-series chip and Secure Enclave. Apple already allows remote authentication with the Apple Watch to unlock a Mac so Apple does believe that remote discreet authentication is secure enough for that feature.
The problem I see for Mac minis and Mac Pros is that they don't have the numbers to make creating a separate camera system with a complex OS just for authenticating your face (or even your fingerprint if we consider a keyboard) to make it worth the cost to bring it to market.