Apple revealed the new iPhone X at its annual conference in September and its most unique feature is the TrueDepth camera. The new technology allows for Face ID which gives users the option to unlock their phone with a quick glance at the camera. The feature sounds convenient, though the fact that Touch Id is completely absent from the iPhone X leaves a lot of questions.
Better than Touch ID?
Apple made the decision to remove the home button on the new 10th-anniversary phone in order to allow for an edge-to-edge screen. The iPhone X looks beautiful, but there are some serious doubts about the performance of Face ID.
Touch ID is a feature that can be used at any time. Users can register up to five different fingerprints which means that no matter what, typing in your passcode is something that is rarely required. As Touch ID revolves around fingerprints, there are no issues like lighting.
The biggest concern with Face ID is its ability to completely replace Touch ID. At some point, all iPhone users use their phone in the dark. No one knows for sure since the iPhone X is not yet available, but it's safe to assume that the TrueDepth camera can't identify a face when it's pitch black.
Another big issue is how easily the TrueDepth technology identifies faces. If users have to hold the phone directly in front of their face as if they are taking a selfie, it isn't a big convenience.
Other things to consider are items such as glasses. Will the technology be able to recognize users with and without glasses on?
Useful for computers
While there are many concerns about how well Face ID will work with the iPhone X, it would certainly benefit Apple's computers. The company has not revealed any plans to extend the TrueDepth technology into other product lines yet, but it may be more helpful in Macs than in iPhones.
Users of laptops or desktops are always sitting directly in front of the camera placed above their screen, meaning there would be no issues with the angle of the Face ID. Apple's newest MacBook Pro features a touch bar which allows users to unlock their computers with a fingerprint.
This is convenient, but placing a finger in the top right corner of the keyboard is not as natural as placing it on the home button of an iPhone.
Those who own the Apple watch have an even easier way of unlocking their computers. When the two devices are connected, a Mac will automatically unlock as long as the watch is also unlocked.
This is great for students in class as well as adults working in the office. Incorporating Face ID into computers would provide the same feature without making users buy the Apple watch.
While the iPhone X's Face ID seems like a great feature, Apple implementing it into their computer product line would be very beneficial to buyers.