Touch-ID in MacBooks could happen
Since its inception, Touch-ID, the fingerprint reading technology embedded in all the new iOS devices, has been associated with added security to the transfer of personal and financial information, online and in stores.
In the wake of Microsoft releasing the Surface Pro 4 updated keyboard, and Surface Book, fingerprint readers support has officially extended its range from mobile devices-only, to portable computers and desktop devices as well. This is great news for consumers, as, according to an Apple patent, fingerprint readers could make their way to MacBook laptops, and possibly even desktops, eventually.
The patent, titled “Finger Sensing Apparatus Using Hybrid Matching and Associated Methods”, was filed in September 7, 2007, and published March 12, 2009, two years prior to Apple purchasing security firm AuthenTec, in 2012, with subsequent development and implementation of the Touch-ID in the iPhone 5S, in September 2013.
The fingerprint reading device described in the patent appears to be very similar to the one introduced by Microsoft in the new Surface Keyboard, and on the base of the Surface Book hybrid laptop unveiled during the Microsoft Windows 10 Devices event in New York.
The reader, according to the patent’s illustrations, is likely to occupy a space below the keyboard, on either the right or the left portion of the device, at least on MacBooks. The sensor will allow fingerprint scans up to 500 ppi native resolution (192x8 pixels).
So far, Mac users motivated in enabling fingerprint recognition, had a software option, through services like Mac-ID, which is a third-party service that makes use of Touch-ID sensors present on iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch.
The adoption of biometric technology through Windows Hello, could play a role in motivating Apple to implement some form of biometric technology, at least in MacBooks. With that said, while Apple reserves the right to decide whether or not a technology is worth implementing in any of its product lines, there are a few reasons why we think this might actually happen sooner than usual.
Aside from the obvious fact that Microsoft surprised everyone by creating a MacBook Pro competitor, which integrates a fingerprint reader, Apple’s next MacBook announcements will likely follow the release of a brand new set of accessories for Mac desktop devices, like the iMac and the Mac Pro, including an updated wireless keyboard, a new Magic Trackpad, and a new Magic Mouse. With regard to the new keyboard, considering the unveiling of technologies like 3D Touch and the Apple Pencil, a fingerprint reader embedded in the new accessory, would make a lot of sense.