Face ID Described as iPhone 8's 'Crown Jewel', Unlocking Device in 'A Few Hundred Milliseconds'

[Dan From Canada]

How can this be used by law enforcement?

Instead of trying to hack into a phone do they only need hold the phone by the owners face to access it?

Or am I missing something?

 

[aidler]

How can this be used by law enforcement?

Instead of trying to hack into a phone do they only need hold the phone by the owners face to access it?

Or am I missing something?

Possibly... I could see that happen.

 

[gri]

Will ruin quite a bit of secrecy and privacy if the other person just needs to hold the device to your face. So, my kids can now go and play with my phone by grabbing and holding it up to me. Great.
And spy movies will be so much more boring (e.g. BBC Sherlock, A scandal in Bohemia)

 

[44267547]

Many of the leaks we’ve seen so far suggest that the iPhone 8* has a longer power/wake/sleep button. I can’t imagine them doing this on a whim so assume it’s changed for a reason (some even thought this could be the new TouchID system). I am suspecting that you may have to press this button while using FaceID to unlock the phone and that it’s been made longer so that it’s easier to find and press it. This may also be required for Apple Pay.

* I don’t actually think Apple will call this year’s model iPhone8 - it’s time for a new naming convention and iPhone8 won’t work very well alongside iPhone 7/7s. In any case, what would they do next year if/when they release other phones alongside the iPhone9? iPhone 7.5?

As Far as the elongated home button goes, remember, Apple is about user accessibility. Perhaps they're making the Home button on a bit longer to assist with reach. I'm assuming the elongated home button will apply to both iPhone models.

As for the naming scheme, I don't believe It will be called iPhone 8 either. It will be likely have some clever marketing term attached to the OLED model. But perhaps the iPhone 7S might follow suit.

 

[Moccasin]

As Far as the elongated home button goes, remember, Apple is about user accessibility. Perhaps they're making the Home button on a bit longer to assist with reach. I'm assuming the elongated home button will apply to both iPhone models.

Maybe, but as this is essentially the 4th iteration of the 6/6s/7 form factor I’d have thought they’d have done any such refinement sooner. I think there is a particular reason why it has been lengthened for this new iPhone.

 

[aidler]

Why not just move to wireless? It seems like the rest of the smartphone industry is following suit as usual. This horrible decision has given them their highest selling device ever so I am not sure many would agree with you here.

I already use wireless headphones but I'm not happy with it. I don't have the feeling that it moves me forward in any way. I don't get better audio (at least I can't notice a better quality if there is one) and now I constantly need to pay attention that they get charged. On more then one occation I was leaving my flat and my headphones had only 8 % power left. That's something that could simply not happen with wired headphones.

The argument that wireless is the future and wired is simply the past is hollow if there is simply no viable improvement and it only resultes in the user paying twice as much for wireless headphones then for wired headphones, hopefully not forgetting to charge the damn things or having to carry around some more dongles.

 

[ftaok]

In addition, anyone the has your phone could unlock it simply by holding it up to your face, if it work as the article describes. Law enforcement, would not need a warrant to unlock your phone or even your assistance.

What would stop law enforcement from using your finger to unlock your TouchID phone?

 

[aidler]

What would stop law enforcement from using your finger to unlock your TouchID phone?

Really nothing but if it's lawful is still being discussed.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

If Face ID is the "crown jewel," meaning the big feature, I would find that a let down after all the rumors this year. The screen is a given. I'm looking forward to inductive or wireless charging -- if optional that doesn't break the bank. Fast charging, standard, not $50 extra would be nice too.

I'm willing to pay an even more premium price than the iPhone already is but it's going to have to have more pizzaz than just subbing out Touch ID for Face ID. I like Touch ID so Face ID doesn't solve a problem for me, just Apple. But I'm not 100% sold Face ID is real just yet.

 

[TrueBlou]

Frankly I don’t really give a damn if the traditional Touch ID dies, so long as it’s replacement is secure and can’t be fooled by a photo/contact lens/3D print.

And of course this is Apple, they obsess over the most minute of details. I very much doubt that they will jeopardise their slice of profit from Apple Pay by introducing a system that’s not secure.

Rest assured that whatever mechanism we end up with on the new iPhone(s) it will have been tested to death for reliability and security.

Needless to say there will be legions of naysayers on the forums the world over, proclaiming the end of their Apple relationships. Jumping ship to, oh let’s say Android, because it’s so much more secure now ..

... That is until about five days after the phone(s) release and those of us who want the latest and greatest and are prepared to give the new system the benefit of the doubt. Have played with them to death and revealed that actually, shockingly, it’s really rather good.

Or something along those lines. What do I know, I’m highly medicated
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What would stop law enforcement from using your finger to unlock your TouchID phone?

A nice sharp cleaver and a handy furnace. Tactility be damned, chop those digits off and burn them to ashes

 

[TheFluffyDuck]

Oh man. I'm so excited to try out this new visual facial recognition in my pitch black room at 6am checking my emails and notifications. Going to be so much fun not using touch idea anymore, having to remember passwords when your sleepy because the facial recognition won't work at night. Killer feature!

 

[TrueBlou]

Oh man. I'm so excited to try out this new visual facial recognition in my pitch black room at 6am checking my emails and notifications. Going to be so much fun not using touch idea anymore, having to remember passwords when your sleepy because the facial recognition won't work at night. Killer feature!

Why wouldn’t they include IR scanning, or something along those lines, for night time/dark rooms?

 

[Moccasin]

Oh man. I'm so excited to try out this new visual facial recognition in my pitch black room at 6am checking my emails and notifications. Going to be so much fun not using touch idea anymore, having to remember passwords when your sleepy because the facial recognition won't work at night. Killer feature!

I guess you missed the specific feature:

“Infrared sensor to allow for in-the-dark facial recognition”

Seems to solve the issue you raised? It’s not taking a photo, it’s meaauring your features in 3D, which can be done in the dark.

 

[DNichter]

I already use wireless headphones but I'm not happy with it. I don't have the feeling that it moves me forward in any way. I don't get better audio (at least I can't notice a better quality if there is one) and now I constantly need to pay attention that they get charged. On more then one occation I was leaving my flat and my headphones had only 8 % power left. That's something that could simply not happen with wired headphones.

The argument that wireless is the future and wired is simply the past is hollow if there is simply no viable improvement and it only resultes in the user paying twice as much for wireless headphones then for wired headphones, hopefully not forgetting to charge the damn things or having to carry around some more dongles.

I'd give Airpods a look. They have been great for me. Really nice sound quality and I use them daily and charge maybe once every 2 weeks.

 

[palmerc2]

Why would you want to look at a notification without unlocking the device? It's going to wait for your action on the lock screen..........


And if you're really worried about law enforcement then I feel for you, because the probability that would happen is incalculably low. If it does happen though, press the power button 5 times, and then press cancel. Passcode only then

Personally, I look at my lock screen notifications without unlocking it dozens of times per day.

 

[9594864]

Personally, I look at my lock screen notifications without unlocking it dozens of times per day.

Okay? What's your point? You stay on the lock screen. The device is still locked. Cool. Now you'll stay on the lock screen and the device will be unlocked while it sees your face. If it loses your face then it locks. It's as simple as if you attempt to leave the lock screen then the device checks for your face again.....

 

[aidler]

Okay? What's your point? You stay on the lock screen. The device is still locked. Cool. Now you'll stay on the lock screen and the device will be unlocked while it sees your face. If it loses your face then it locks. It's as simple as if you attempt to leave the lock screen then the device checks for your face again.....

I hope that the iPhone will not only check your face. A couple of month ago I read a idea that a mobile device could simply know you through a multitude of factors (the way you move, your skin temperature, your face, where you are etc.) and there would no longer be the need to lock or unlock a phone. The iPhone as a trusted device could identify and authentic you for many services.

 

[shamus99]

In addition, anyone the has your phone could unlock it simply by holding it up to your face, if it work as the article describes. Law enforcement, would not need a warrant to unlock your phone or even your assistance.

I would be more concerned with a criminal grabbing your phone than Law Enforcment. Remember, they don't make the rules. If you don't like it, have the judges and politicians change it...

Anyways, who's to say that once unlocked, it stays unlocked? What if it's constantly scanning and when it scans another face, it immediately locks again? Could be even more secure than what we have now.

 

[ckurt25]

Shouldn't this be the norm though? Why would this be a problem?

It's not just parents unlocking kids phones. Kids could unlock parents. If you have physical control over any phone that has Face ID you might be able to unlock it. I like to think Apple has thought of these things. Time will tell.

 

[Ghost31]

Hasn't Android had this functionality for years? I had it on my Galaxy Nexus back in 2012. Not sure how innovative it is.

The comment we get eveytime apple has a groundbreaking new feature that changes the way we use technology with no basic understanding of how things actually work.

When Touch ID first came out "psh. Late to the game apple! Some old obscure android phone from years ago had it so you're not cool for doing it. Nanananana". Never mind the fact that it was better in every way and enabled millions of people to have bette security on their phones.
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What if I want to look at a notification without unlocking the screen?

Also seems too easy for snooping from law enforcement or an undesirable where they could put the phone up to your face to unlock.

Guess we'll have to see. Would prefer Touch ID.

I'm just pulling this out fo my butt here, but there could be a feature like there is now where you can rest your finger on the home button and it won't unlock your phone. That you have to press down on it for it to actually unlock your phone. Same could be for face id. Flip a switch in settings and it will not unlock your phone to home screen but rather just keep it on the notifications screen

 

[petsounds]

How can this be used by law enforcement?

Instead of trying to hack into a phone do they only need hold the phone by the owners face to access it?

Or am I missing something?

This will probably be shut off by the same iOS 11 feature which allows you to temporarily disable Touch ID by some quick taps of the Home button. Privacy is still (unless you're in China) a priority for Apple, so I don't think they'd introduce this without some way to quickly disable it.

 

[kentsydney]

Yeah, these are concerns of mine as well. I don't have anything to hide from my wife (her fingerprints already unlock my phone and vice versa) but not all spouses do that for each other. Parents could unlock their kids phones, siblings unlocking each other's phones, friends, coworkers, employers...

Maybe they're building additional security. "Hey Siri, lock my phone" and it would require the passcode. But what happens when you're sleeping? I have to imagine they're engineering this to work with people who wear glasses (even who are wearing sunglasses) so does it need to see open eyes? Time will tell.

Maybe you have to hold it and it must also see your arm shoulder and fave so it knows you are holding it

 

[AlaskanVeteran]

In addition, anyone the has your phone could unlock it simply by holding it up to your face, if it work as the article describes. Law enforcement, would not need a warrant to unlock your phone or even your assistance.

Your comment is misleading. Law enforcement would still need a warrant to unlock your phone. While technically it would be easier using facial recognition and they "could" unlock it without a warrant, doing so would be pointless, as ALL evidence gained from doing so would be tossed out prior to trial and potentially ruin the entire case. Look up the Fruit of the Poisonous Tree doctrine for more information.

Such a blatant violation of someone's rights would also open the agency up to state and/or federal investigation, lawsuits, and terrible PR. Oh yeah, and it's a good way for an officer to risk losing his/her career.

 

[shyam09]

What if I want to look at a notification without unlocking the screen?

Also seems too easy for snooping from law enforcement or an undesirable where they could put the phone up to your face to unlock.

Guess we'll have to see. Would prefer Touch ID.

I assume Apple has this covered in some way, shape, or form.

My guess would be you would need to either press the virtual home button or swipe to unlock (via face ID). So Raise to Wake / Tap to Wake would still work, but you just need to do an extra step to activate the camera (I believe the Samsung S8/+ requires a swipe as well to activate the iris scanner).

 

[Tower-Union]

This is getting very exciting.. Still worried about someone just shoving your phone near your face and unlocking it though. Doesn't sound very secure to me?! Or am I missing something? The phone doesn't even have to touch my body to be unlocked, that is kinda scary..

This is officially the new version of "but someone could just cut your finger off and steal all your banking information from your phone! No touchID for me!"