14 DAY TRIAL // Apple is reportedly planning to equip Macs with Touch ID fingerprint sensors expanding Apple Pay functionality to computers, while also adding an extra layer of security to OS X. The rumor seems unlikely, but it’s not entirely far-fetched.
Sources in the Far East report that Apple is planning to debut a new MacBook Air this year featuring a new color and some new hardware as well. Most notably, the computer is said to sport a Touch ID fingerprint sensor underneath its trackpad.
Apple Pay support, extra layer of security
While notebooks will have the sensor built inside their trackpads, desktop Macs will have to rely on their mice for the same functionality, according to the rumor. In other words, expect a new version of the Magic Mouse to come out alongside the new MacBooks.
The reason for the upgrade is said to be Apple Pay, the payments service launched by the Cupertino giant last year as part of the iOS 8 rollout. Apple Pay relies either on NFC (near field communications) or on the user’s fingerprint. With just one tap of the sensor, a purchase can be authenticated in seconds.
The Touch ID fingerprint sensor - currently found only in select iPhones and iPads - would also enable an extra layer of security on the new Macs. Users would be able to turn on or unlock their machines via fingerprint authentication for more convenience, but also more peace of mind.
Although not impossible to replicate, a fingerprint is much harder to crack than a traditional password. On iOS, as many as five fingers can be assigned for device authentication or online transactions.
Redesigned MacBook Air just around the corner
Apple upgrades its Macintosh lines every year, and this time around it’s the portables that are due for some enhancements. According to the rumor dished out by apple.club.tw, the new MacBook Air range is getting prettier with three different finishes: Silver, Gold, and Space Gray.
Rumors about a redesigned Air abound. The system is said to sport a 12-inch screen and a very slim figure. The keyboard is expected to be a tad different as well, and there will be a USB 3.1 Type-C port on the thing, according to some reports.