Apple announced a pricey new edition of its popular smartphone, the iPhone X, in September. The company subsequently made the iPhone X available in more than 55 countries and territories. In addition to featuring an edge-to-edge OLED display, the iPhone X also comes with a host of out-of-the-box features to challenge the dominance of the Android platform.
At the same time, the special iPhone model also comes with a unique facial recognition system – Face ID. Face ID allows users to use their face as if they were conventional passwords. The facial scanning system allows a user to unlock their iPhone X simply by looking at the smartphone with open eyes. You can even use Face ID to keep data stored on your iPhone X safe and make mobile payments.
However, Face ID on iPhone X takes advantage of another robust hardware feature packed into the smartphone: the TrueDepth camera. Many analysts believe that Apple will soon make the innovative facial scanning system available to other iPhone and iPad models. Therefore, iOS developers need to understand important aspects of Face ID on iPhone X to meet the emerging trend of mobile app development.
Important aspects of Face ID on iPhone X that every iOS app developer should know
Replace Touch ID on iPhone X
Touch ID was an integral part of several iPhone models. The authentication system allows users to unlock their smartphones simply by placing their fingers on the sensor. A user can even use Touch ID to perform various financial transactions and mobile payments. The iPhone X is designed with Face ID instead of Touch ID. Unlike Touch ID, Face ID does not require users to touch their smartphones. A user can take advantage of Face ID to unlock their device simply by looking at the screen. At the same time, iOS app developers can take advantage of the new facial recognition system simply by replacing the Touch ID code with the Face ID code.
Does not make passcodes obsolete
Despite replacing Touch ID on the iPhone X, Face ID has yet to replace passcodes entirely. Apple recommends iPhone X users use passcodes while restarting the device, the device has been unlocked for more than 48 hours, and the user has tried to match the wrong face five times. Also, a user must use a passcode to make their iPhone X accessible to friends and family.
Authenticates through the TrueDepth camera
Face ID authenticates users through another new feature provided by the iPhone X: the TrueDepth camera system. The advanced camera system captures all the features of a user’s face through depth mapping. Additionally, TrueDepth creates a unique facial map by capturing more than 30,000 invisible points projected onto a user’s face. Every time a user unlocks their iPhone X, the TrueDepth camera reads the dot patterns through an infrared camera and captures an infrared image. It then sends the infrared image to the Secure Enclave on the A11 Bionic chip. Once the authenticity of the infrared image is confirmed, the iPhone is unlocked.
Use machine learning
A user’s appearance may differ from time to time. Face ID uses machine learning algorithms to recognize changes in a user’s appearance. Thus, a user can unlock their iPhone X regardless of its current appearance. You can take advantage of Face ID on the iPhone X to unlock and authenticate yourself despite wearing a hat, putting on glasses, and growing a beard. The TrueDepth camera further uses a flood illuminator to identify a user’s face via invisible infrared light when there is insufficient light.
Prevent access to unauthorized devices
Despite identifying different looks of the same user, Face ID on iPhone X still doesn’t allow other people to unlock the smartphone. While unlocking iPhone X, a user has to keep their eyes open. If the user’s eyes are closed, the iPhone X will remain unlocked. The feature makes it difficult for unauthorized users to unlock the mobile device when the original user is sleeping or away. However, Face ID on iPhone X lacks the ability to identify identical twins. A user needs to use an additional passcode to prevent their iPhone X from being inaccessible to the twin.
No option to register multiple users
Apple further enhances the security of the iPhone X by allowing each user to register only one face. No user has the option to register multiple faces. Therefore, only one user can unlock and authenticate via Face ID. However, a user can still make their iPhone X accessible to multiple users by sharing their passcode. Multiple users can access the same iPhone X by authenticating via passcode instead of Face ID.
Multitask
Apart from keeping the iPhone X safe, Face ID also improves the user experience when performing some basic tasks. The attention-aware nature of the facial recognition system allows users to perform basic tasks simply by looking at the iPhone X. For example, a user can take advantage of Face ID to check messages and notifications, lower the alarm volume or ringtone. call and keep the screen on while reading.
Facilitates mobile payment
In addition to improving the security of the iPhone X, Face ID will also make mobile payment easier. It will work seamlessly with Apple Pay. Additionally, a user can take advantage of Face ID on the iPhone X while shopping at physical stores and restaurants that support Touch ID payments. Additionally, apps that support Touch ID will allow users to take advantage of Face ID. Developers can make their existing iOS apps support Face ID by replacing the Touch ID code with the Face ID code. However, many banks and financial institutions still do not fully support Face ID.
Security and privacy issues
Apple implements various security mechanisms to keep facial scanning private and secure. After scanning a user’s face, the TrueDepth camera system stored the information directly into the A11 Bionic chip. Apple also does not transfer the information to its server or cloud. Therefore, face scan information remains only on the iPhone X. Apple further uses the facial recognition system as a strong security tool to keep user data inaccessible and prevent unauthorized access. A hacker in Vietnam recently claimed that he cracked Face ID by creating a complex face mask. But several security experts believe that Apple needs to make several changes to Face ID on the iPhone X for it to be an effective security measure.
Overall, Face ID on iPhone X transforms iOS app development by replacing Touch ID. But iOS app developers should remember that the facial recognition system is currently only used by one iPhone model. Apple will gradually make Face ID available on upcoming versions of the iPhone and iPad. Therefore, developers should explore ways to make their existing iOS apps support Face ID. Also, they need to embrace the emerging trends in iOS app development to make their mobile app relevant and popular for a longer period of time.