Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Mobile

The iPhone 13’s Face ID will work with your face mask, leaker says

Michael Allison
By

Despite the proliferation of masks worldwide in response to the current pandemic, Apple is probably not bringing back Touch ID to the iPhone anytime soon. Instead, the company is testing an upgrade to Face ID that will make it work better with masks and fogged-up glasses, as reported by generally reliable leaker Jon Prosser.

The company is testing new Face ID hardware internally that matches the Face ID array on iPhone 13 prototypes for the express purpose of training it to work with masks and glasses. Prosser says that the test is currently being carried out on iPhone 12 hardware by way of a prototype case with the intent of gaining as much data as possible. The report also notes that testers are asked to wear these masks indoors and outdoors, and with various styles of glasses. Testers are also being asked to set up Face ID without the mask on first, as opposed to current workarounds where Face ID is set up with a mask on.

While the Face ID hardware array is being tested with the iPhone 13-style array, there is no word on whether the enhanced mask support would come with the iPhone 13 at launch or be enabled by way of a subsequent software update. With a feature that’s built for the times, Apple is likely to want it out as soon as possible, if the story is true. It would be easier to sell iPhone 13s with face mask-compatible Face ID in 2021 than in 2022, one would hope.

Related

Apple earlier released an iOS update that would allow users to unlock their iPhones with Apple Watches if they were unable to verify their identity due to wearing face masks. This new Face ID feature, if released, would mitigate the security risk by using such a feature.

Apple’s iPhone 13 will reportedly come with other hardware changes including a slimmed-down notched, improved ultrawide cameras, smoother displays, and new colors. The company has yet to announce a launch date, but September 14 has been thrown around as an increasingly likely candidate.  Alongside the new iPhone, an updated pair of AirPods and new iPads are expected. There’s also some talk of an Apple Watch Series 7 debuting with the iPhone 13.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
The Pixel 8 just leaked, and it has one big thing I can’t wait for
Google Pixel 8 in depicted in white.

For another year, Google’s next-gen phones are out in the wild months ahead of their grand reveal at a fancy event. Just a day ago, the Pixel 8 Pro was unceremoniously leaked, and now, the standard Pixel 8 has also received the same treatment. OnLeaks and MySmartPrice have shared reported renders and a 360-degree video depicting the upcoming Google phone from all angles.
The design changes are subtle, but easy on the eyes. Just like the Pixel 8 Pro, the corners are once again more rounded on the Pixel 8. The frame is metallic, and there’s a horizontal camera strip at the back with a metallic luster on top. Akin to the Pixel 7, we get two cameras on the Pixel 8, sitting in a pill-shaped cutout.

Another small aesthetic tweak is the earpiece grill at the top, which is now more prominent than what we saw on the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. If the current-gen Pixels are any indication, the Pixel 8 is going to offer an excellent in-hand feel. Talking about in-hand feel, though, it appears that Google is once again pandering to the small phone loyalists.

Read more
5 things we’d love to see at Google I/O 2023 (but probably won’t)
Google Pixel Watch on a wrist.

Google's annual developer conference, Google I/O, kicks off on May 10. Don't let the words "developer conference" put you off, though, as Google I/O is one of the biggest and most exciting shows of the year.

We've already covered what we expect to see at Google I/O 2023, and that list includes the Pixel 7a, Android 14, and even a Google Pixel Fold. But although those are all things we're really looking forward to and expecting to see, there are a number of reveals we'd also love to happen ... but are extremely unlikely to appear on the grand stage.

Read more
Why the $450 Samsung Galaxy A54 may be 2023’s most savvy smartphone buy
The green and purple Galaxy A54's camera modules.

-Samsung’s Galaxy A Series has long been a great choice for people who want Galaxy S Series style without the S Series price. The Galaxy A54 and Galaxy A34 are the latest, and Samsung isn’t being shy about giving these phones the latest flagship look.

Even better news is that the A54 continues to provide a great screen, long battery life, a decent camera, and solid everyday features you’ll love — all for a value-driven price. Could the new Galaxy A54 phone be 2023’s savviest smartphone buys? I tried it out for a short time to find out.
Getting the Awesome colors right

Read more