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Home / News / Recent Apple patent suggests Face ID is headed for MacBooks

Recent Apple patent suggests Face ID is headed for MacBooks

The notch might finally get a real purpose!

Close-up of notch on MacBook

Since the iPhone X launched back in 2017, iPhone users have been showing their face to their smartphone to get in.

Face ID is Apple’s secure, biometric unlocking method for the iPhone. But it looks like the tech giant is planning to introduce the security tech to its range of MacBooks.

According to a recent patent spotted by AppleInsider, Apple is planning to introduce Face ID on the MacBook. The patent details a part described as a “Light Recognition Module for Determining a User of a Computing Device” – which is a fancier way of describing Face ID without mentioning the feature’s name.

Patent for MacBook Face ID

The patent shows that the new sensor would sit behind the notch introduced on the 2021 MacBook Pros. It would finally give the notch some purpose, and utilise some extra space on the laptop. It describes a module that emits predetermined light patterns (such as infrared) with a dot projector, and another module to detect the light patterns. It’s very similar to how Face ID works on the iPhone, so it’s a pretty sure thing that the same feature is on the way to MacBooks.

Within the patent, Apple stresses the importance of security on such machines, with the need for greater measures. It also mentions the possibility of bringing the same Face ID sensor to future iMacs. At the moment, we know Apple is working on the feature, but it’s unclear if or when it might make its way into the wild.

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About

Connor is a writer for Stuff, working across the magazine and the Stuff.tv website. He has been writing for around seven years now, with writing across the web and in print too. Connor has experience on most major platforms, though does hold a place in his heart for macOS, iOS/iPadOS, electric vehicles, and smartphone tech. Just like everyone else around here, he’s a fan of gadgets of all sorts! Aside from writing, Connor is involved in the startup scene. This exciting involvement puts him at the front of new and exciting tech, always on the lookout for innovating products.

Areas of expertise

Mobile, macOS, EVs, smart home