Touch ID on the MacBook Pro?

[InfiniteLoopy]

What are the odds that the new MBPs likely unveiled at WWDC '16 will have Touch ID? Rationale either way would be welcome.

 

[mfram]

I would be surprised if Apple were to release that functionality. ARM chips on mobile devices contain a security architecture that allows for sensitive data like fingerprint data to be stored in areas of the chip protected by hardware components. It's not clear to me that Intel chips feature the same type of functionality. And even if they did, the architecture would be different enough that the implementation would need to be significantly different on the Mac compared to an iPhone. To add fingerprint capability you would need to add hardware components (secure execution and sensors) that aren't there now, adding to cost.

 

[tubeexperience]

Blah. Intel RealSense Camera seems more appropriate.

A lot of Windows OEMs already incorporate Intel RealSense Camera into their products.

 

[ABC5S]

If Apple does not introduce Touch ID this time around, I will hold off until they do. Tired of having to use a passcode numerous times per day. Some like it like me, and others do not. Siri is nice to but Touch ID is better in my opinion

 

[recoil80]

I guess it will happen when Apple's SoC will make their way into the Mac.

 

[InfiniteLoopy]

I would be surprised if Apple were to release that functionality. ARM chips on mobile devices contain a security architecture that allows for sensitive data like fingerprint data to be stored in areas of the chip protected by hardware components. It's not clear to me that Intel chips feature the same type of functionality. And even if they did, the architecture would be different enough that the implementation would need to be significantly different on the Mac compared to an iPhone. To add fingerprint capability you would need to add hardware components (secure execution and sensors) that aren't there now, adding to cost.

The Secure Enclave aspect is really key, and that's why I think Apple won't include it either.

However, could they offer a "Touch ID light" only for logins and Notes (not Apple Pay or Health data as they don't make as much sense on the Mac)? Perhaps also offering an API for apps such as 1Password?

 

[Gav2k]

In its current form it wouldn't work

 

[NT1440]

I would be surprised if Apple were to release that functionality. ARM chips on mobile devices contain a security architecture that allows for sensitive data like fingerprint data to be stored in areas of the chip protected by hardware components. It's not clear to me that Intel chips feature the same type of functionality. And even if they did, the architecture would be different enough that the implementation would need to be significantly different on the Mac compared to an iPhone. To add fingerprint capability you would need to add hardware components (secure execution and sensors) that aren't there now, adding to cost.

The Secure Enclave has nothing to do with ARM.

 

[InfiniteLoopy]

The Secure Enclave has nothing to do with ARM.

That's what I thought too. Could Apple not build a Secure Enclave in an Intel machine?

 

[sammich]

That's what I thought too. Could Apple not build a Secure Enclave in an Intel machine?

You may be interested in this, then: http://macid.co/

 

[InfiniteLoopy]

You may be interested in this, then: http://macid.co/

Yeah, that looks really interesting but it would still be better directly on the Mac.

 

[NT1440]

That's what I thought too. Could Apple not build a Secure Enclave in an Intel machine?

Yup, there's nothing preventing this.

My guess is they're going to wait until the virtual touchID can be deployed so there's no actual button, you just press your finger to the trackpad.

 

[InfiniteLoopy]

Yup, there's nothing preventing this.

My guess is they're going to wait until the virtual touchID can be deployed so there's no actual button, you just press your finger to the trackpad.

You mean the one on the iPhone design that will be all glass?

 

[NT1440]

You mean the one on the iPhone design that will be all glass?

Yup. They'll then incorporate it into the glass trackpad.

As a stopgap to that time, Apple just patented a method for using the TouchID on your phone to be an option to unlock your mac.

 

[InfiniteLoopy]

Yup. They'll then incorporate it into the glass trackpad.

As a stopgap to that time, Apple just patented a method for using the TouchID on your phone to be an option to unlock your mac.

Oh, didn't know that. So there's not much incentive for them to build a physical Touch ID sensor into the upcoming MBPs then...

 

[NT1440]

Oh, didn't know that. So there's not much incentive for them to build a physical Touch ID sensor into the upcoming MBPs then...

Nope, I'm guessing the next minor revision after the upcoming one may introduce it.

Honestly it all depends on how hard Apple pushes privacy at this WWDC.