Most Apple fans can agree on two things regarding the 2021 and 2022 MacBook Pro models. First, the new machines are absolutely powerful and amazing. Second, the notch design is a bit confusing.
Why did Apple think it was a necessary feature to include on the MacBooks? We couldn’t help but wonder if Apple is ready to bring Face ID to the Mac. And here’s why we think incorporating Face ID into newer Macs could be a step in the right direction.
1. Good use of the MacBook’s Notch
There’s more screen real estate with the thinner bezels on the newer MacBook Pro models. But one could argue that even though some of the bezel space has been trimmed off with the menu bar pushed up, the appearance of the notch seems intrusive.
Although many consider it an annoying little feature that peels off the otherwise incredible display of the MacBook, the notch doesn’t interfere with your workflow much when running apps in full-screen mode. But while most of us have adapted to the reality of the notch, adding Face ID hardware to that area could be an extra, valuable feature for that space.
If Apple ever brings Face ID to the newer Macs, that might be sufficient justification for the notch area that’s currently a bit large for the 1080p webcam, ambient light sensor, and green LED indicator it houses.
2. Face ID could force Apple to use better webcams
Face ID is powered by a sophisticated technology called the TrueDepth camera system that’s powerful enough to capture and analyze all the facial data you enter every time you look at your Mac. You can read our guide on how facial recognition technology works.
So if we get Face ID on the newer Mac models, we can expect higher quality webcams that can compete with the 12MP TrueDepth cameras on the latest iPhones. This means better video calls on the Mac without having to use the Continuity Camera feature Apple introduced with macOS Ventura.
3. Make it on par with iPhones
Once upon a time, Touch ID was the default biometric authentication across Apple devices. But since Apple launched the feature in 2017 with the iPhone X, it has gradually phased out the once-popular Touch ID on the newer iPhone and iPad models. And the facial recognition technology on the iPad and iPhone has only gotten better over the years.
Whether you’re indoors or outdoors, wearing contact lenses or a pair of glasses, you can position your face at just the right angle and access your iPhone and iPad. You can even use Face ID on your iPhone with a face mask.
So while the iPhone and iPad may have registered remarkable growth in this department, Macs are unfortunately lagging behind. So, introducing Face ID will bring the Mac on par with the rest of Apple’s current generation of products.
4. Convenience
The functionality of a Face ID on a Mac just seems very convenient. More often than not, the moment you open the lid of a MacBook or sit down in front of your iMac, there’s a good chance your face is already tilted at just the right angle required to register your facial features on the Mac.
All you have to do is look at your Mac at just the right angle. And chances are you already do. So you can easily and quickly unlock your Mac without moving your hands away from the trackpad (over to the Touch ID sensor) or sacrificing a few seconds to enter your password.
On top of that, Face ID can reduce the tendency to operate the device with dirty hands. You probably already know that sweaty hands can damage your MacBook or any laptop. But what harm can a sweaty face do to your Mac if it doesn’t even need to come into contact with your laptop’s screen?
5. Availability
Thanks to the variety of mobility options available in macOS, Macs are easier to navigate for people with disabilities. Introducing Face ID could be an additional accessibility feature that makes it easier for users to access their Macs. And with Voice Control as an accessibility feature, you can control your Mac without touching it.
Face ID can elevate the Mac experience
We can’t wait for Apple to bring Face ID to Macs, although industry experts have mentioned that the technology just doesn’t exist yet. Considering that Microsoft allows users to unlock their computers with Windows Hello, Face ID seems like the perfect move to stay ahead of the competition.
While arguments abound that the bezels on the MacBook are just too thin to accommodate the feature, and knowing Apple wouldn’t compromise on the premium build its products are loved for, chances are we’ll get it first on the iMacs; only time will tell.
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