Apple Could Be Looking To Use Face ID on All Products

In his latest Power On newsletter, Bloomberg’s tech journalist Mark Gurman noted that he believes that we could see Macs adopt Face ID in a “couple of years.” Going on to suggest that even the more affordable iPhone SE and non-Pro iPad models could also adopt the Face ID security feature.

Gurman notes that the only reason why Apple hasn’t already rolled out Face ID for all of its products is a pricing issue and design limitations. But a “camera embedded in the screen would help differentiate Apple’s pricier devices by eliminating the notch at the top” could be how Apple pushes Face ID to all of its products.

Catch an excerpt from Mark Gurman’s latest Power On newsletter below.

I think implementing Face ID in all of its major devices is the company’s ultimate goal. If it were possible, Apple would have already nixed Touch ID. But it has had to stick around for a couple of reasons. On the iPhone SE and non-Pro iPads, it’s a cheaper alternative that lets Apple cut costs while still offering security. On Mac laptops, the screens are too thin to implement the necessary depth sensor.

But I expect that to eventually change. It won’t happen this year, but I’d bet Face ID on the Mac is coming within a couple of years. I expect all iPhones and iPads to transition to Face ID within that timeframe, too. Eventually, a camera embedded in the screen would help differentiate Apple’s pricier devices by eliminating the notch at the top. The facial recognition sensor gives Apple two central features: security and augmented reality. Touch ID, more convenient or not, only provides the former.

For more tech news, the Apple AirPods 3 are now expected to release alongside the iPhone 13 in September.