Oliver Haslam·

Apple Reportedly Working On iPhone 13 Face ID Tech That Works With Masks On

Apple is reportedly working on new Face ID technology that will allow people to unlock their iPhones even when they’re wearing a face mask. Even more notable is the fact a new report claims that the technology will be part of the iPhone 13 lineup.

Reporting on his Front Page Tech website, leaker Jon Prosser shared the news that Apple is having people test the new iPhone 13 Face ID array as an attachment that connects to existing iPhone 12 models.

The move allows Apple to have more people test its apps without the need to also give them valuable iPhone 13 prototypes.

Internally, for testing purposes only, Apple has developed a prototype case that fits around iPhone 12 that they are using to test a new Face ID array. The case fits snug around the phone, with a very visible extra sensor array sitting above the device. This prototype case allows the iPhone 12 to bypass the regular Face ID array, in favor of using the new hardware within the case.

According to Prosser, the Face ID technology found in these attachments matches what is expected to be part of the iPhone 13 lineup, including a smaller notch and redesigned layout.

From what we’ve seen, the Face ID array inside the prototype case is narrower than the array typically found inside the iPhone 12, with the camera of the prototype being on the left side. This allows us to further speculate that the array inside the prototype is that of the iPhone 13.

It’s also worth noting that leaker Jioriku says that this is indeed the iPhone 13 technology but that the new features might actually be added to the devices via a software update at a later date.

https://twitter.com/Jioriku/status/1430551204774481920

Apple has a big few months on its hands, but if it could make iPhone 13 work while users are wearing masks, it will undoubtedly be a big update for people who continue to live in a COVID-19 world. All being well, Apple is expected to announce the new devices next month.

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