Skip to main content

MacOS Big Sur reportedly hints at Apple working to bring FaceID to computers

Apple is reportedly working on bringing FaceID to its Mac computers, according to code found in MacOS Big Sur.

FaceID, Apple’s facial-recognition system that is currently found on some iPhone and iPad models, may soon arrive to Mac computers, according to 9to5Mac. A new extension on the MacOS Big Sur beta 3 for developers contains references to PearlCamera, which is Apple’s internal code name for Face ID and the TrueDepth camera that enables the security feature.

Also, 9to5Mac discovered codes such as FaceDetect and BioCapture, similar to the ones used for the iOS, within the extension, which was found to be built specifically for MacOS and not a remnant of Apple’s Catalyst technology. The implementation, however, is said to still be in the early stages, so it remains unclear when Apple will roll out a Mac computer with a TrueDepth camera to work with FaceID.

Digital Trends has reached out to Apple to confirm that FaceID is coming to Mac computers, and we will update this article as soon as we hear back.

MacOS Big Sur coming soon

MacOS Big Sur, which was announced at this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference, is the latest version of Apple’s operating system for its desktop and laptop computers. Its best features include an all-new design, easier on-screen controls, an upgraded Safari browser, and an updated Messages app.

The public beta of MacOS Big Sur is expected to roll out within the month to participants of the Apple Beta Software Program. The operating system is set to be officially released this fall.

Editors' Recommendations

Aaron Mamiit
Aaron received a NES and a copy of Super Mario Bros. for Christmas when he was 4 years old, and he has been fascinated with…
Common macOS Sonoma problems and how to fix them
Apple's Craig Federighi presents new features in macOS Sonoma at the company's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2023.

Apple’s latest operating system, macOS Sonoma, has launched, and it brings with it a bunch of great new features for your Mac. But upgrading your Apple computer could lead to problems, and while this won’t happen to everyone, it can be frustrating when issues arise.

Fortunately, there’s help at hand. We’ve put together a list of the most common macOS Sonoma problems and how to fix them. Just follow these tips and they could help you out of a tricky spot. We’ve added links to Apple’s official guidance throughout, so be sure to check them out for more assistance.
macOS Sonoma won’t download

Read more
Apple fixed one of my biggest macOS gripes with Sonoma — but I still want more
Federighi talking about Continuity Camera.

Apple’s macOS Sonoma update has just been launched and, let’s be honest here, it’s a pretty modest upgrade (probably thanks to the work required on the Vision Pro’s software). Still, when Apple unveiled Sonoma a few months ago, there was one feature that got me excited: Continuity Camera.

This nifty tool lets you use your iPhone as a high-quality webcam. Sure, it actually debuted with macOS Ventura, but this year we’ve got much more control over how it works. Sliders! Toggles! Yes, it’s all here.

Read more
MacBooks could finally get Face ID to boost your security
Apple's 15-inch MacBook Air placed on a desk.

Apple is working on bringing its Face ID authentication system to MacBooks, in what could be a major move to boost your Mac’s security. That’s according to a newly granted patent (number 11727718) that describes the benefits of Face ID and how it could be added to Apple’s laptops.

In the patent, Apple explains that computers are capable of a great deal of different tasks, and many of them can involve storing or handing over your sensitive information -- information that should not fall into the wrong hands. To stop that from happening, some form of authentication system (like Face ID) could be implemented into laptops to toughen up their security.

Read more