Is Apple developing a Mac with TrueDepth sensors? This is what the finds suggest do by 9to5Mac in the code of the beta 3 macOS Big Sur, available since Wednesday. Specifically, the site came across a new extension that refers to “PearlCamera”, the internal name Apple had given to Face ID and TrueDepth for the iPhone X. “FaceDetect” and “BioCapture” are also present in the code of this extension, references also present in iOS.
After investigation, it turns out that these code names are not linked to Catalyst technology, which allows applications for iPad to be adapted to macOS. It is therefore not insane to conclude that Apple has in its pipes one or more Macs that will be able to identify the user by analyzing his face.
The manufacturer took a long time to integrate Touch ID into its computers (it had to first develop a secure enclave alongside the Intel processor), and even the biometric system is only available on MacBook Air and Pro. With future Apple Silicon chips, it will undoubtedly be easier for Apple to integrate technologies from the iPhone and iPad, including Face ID, into its Macs.
The design problem will still have to be solved: the different TrueDepth sensors take up space. It is difficult to see Apple thickening the frame of the screens of its laptops while at the same time, we expect a reduction in the size of the borders. However, nothing prevents Apple from integrating TrueDepth into the iMac and future monitors (there is more room around the screen), while continuing to use Touch ID in its laptops.
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