TechComputers & PCsLaptopsThe MacBook looks set to steal this brilliant iPhone featureIt could revolutionise authentication on the deviceWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TechComputers & PCsLaptopsThe MacBook looks set to steal this brilliant iPhone featureIt could revolutionise authentication on the deviceWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
It could revolutionise authentication on the device
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
Authentication is a massive part of theiPhoneexperience. Over the last few years, we’ve moved from passcodes, to Touch ID, and now Face ID. That means that security is now based on unique biometric indicators, which should make your data even safer.
It’s not just as simple as taking the module from theiPhoneand slapping it into a Mac chassis, though. As the patent details, users undertake more complex tasks on a computer, and storing the sensitive biometric data alongside that complex data could pose a potential security risk.
The patent also recognises the need to maintain slim proportions. In order to achieve this, their design utilises “a light pattern recognition module” which emits a predetermined light pattern like infrared and features another layer which can recognise the reflection from that pattern of light.
The application also suggests that it will be housed in the notch. That’s not really surprising, though it could point to a little more longevity for that particular feature – don’t expect a MacDynamic Islandanytime soon.
So, when are we likely to see it on devices? Well, not anytime soon. As ever, while the technology has appeared on a patent, it’s not guaranteed to appear on a device in the near future – or ever, in fact. See, while big companies likeApplepatent a lot of technology, not all of it will make it into the consumer sphere.
With this one, though, I think it will. It’s not as outlandish as some of the other patents which have made news in recent months, and would make a lot more sense in the context of their current product range.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised to see it in the relatively near future. Assuming their development team don’t run into any major hurdles with the design and manufacture of the part, it would be a decent upgrade to add to any Mac in the line.
We’ll have to wait and see what the future holds. In the meantime, users looking for new things to look forward to on Macs can sink their teeth into details of theM3 chip range. Those are expected to start cropping up from later this year.
Today’s best Apple MacBook Pro M2 dealsNo price informationCheck AmazonWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Apple MacBook Pro M2 dealsNo price informationCheck AmazonWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Apple MacBook Pro M2 deals
No price informationCheck Amazon
No price informationCheck Amazon
No price informationCheck Amazon
No price informationCheck Amazon
No price information
No price information
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
TOPICSapple
TOPICS
Vollebak pushes the limits of outerwear with Double Graphene Puffer and Shielding SuitThe company continues to weave innovation into every thread
The company continues to weave innovation into every thread
Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 review: sensational sound, ordinary ANCBowers & Wilkins' step-down true wireless earbuds sound amazing and are well-priced – so what’s the catch, if anything?
Bowers & Wilkins' step-down true wireless earbuds sound amazing and are well-priced – so what’s the catch, if anything?
A new Apple TV 4K box is reportedly coming, it’s just a matter of whenWhat will it offer though and will it change design?
What will it offer though and will it change design?
Apple’s affordable iPad set for major speed boost and Apple IntelligenceIt’s exciting times ahead for the entry-level tablet
It’s exciting times ahead for the entry-level tablet
Apple already sells a device thinner than the rumoured iPhone 17 AirThe slimming world of Apple
The slimming world of Apple
Apple MacBook Pro set for its biggest upgrade in many yearsIt’s great news for Apple fans
It’s great news for Apple fans
Apple iPhone could get a major camera boost… thanks to SamsungYou’ll just have to wait a while for it to arrive
You’ll just have to wait a while for it to arrive
If the iPhone 17 Pro looks like this, I’ll eat my hat!Surely this is highly unlikely?
Surely this is highly unlikely?
The next iPhone SE could be in for its biggest change yetBut will it simplify or confuse things?
But will it simplify or confuse things?
OLED iPad mini could be coming in 2026, say insidersApple’s smallest iPad could be getting even more portable – and the iPad Airs could get even slimmer too
Apple’s smallest iPad could be getting even more portable – and the iPad Airs could get even slimmer too
