Face ID Originally Planned for iMac M1

Apple’s facial recognition software Face ID is currently only available for iPhones and iPads. However, the manufacturer originally planned to install Face ID in the iMac with the M1 chip. Facial recognition may also end up on other devices in the future. That comes from a “Power On” newsletter by Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman. Code in macOS Big Sur indicated that Face ID was being considered for the 24-inch iMac. Facial recognition was originally planned for the first iMac M1.

The screen would have been thick enough to accommodate the necessary components. Face ID requires a TrueDepth module with a dot projector and IR camera. However, the iMac M1 was released without Face ID.

Integration missing

It remains to be seen why Apple ultimately decided not to integrate Face ID into the iMac. The technology was not available in Macbooks for space reasons. Apple would not currently have enough thin components that could be used in the laptops. The screen of current Macbooks is thinner than the screen of an iPhone or iPad. Therefore, Face ID must first be installed in iMacs or external displays before the technology can also be used with a Macbook.

It is still unclear whether Apple Face ID will be installed in iMacs and external Mac screens. Whether the company decides to use the technology in other devices remains to be seen when the first corresponding models will be launched. Face ID may not be available for iMacs for a few years. Macbook fans may even have to wait much longer.