14 DAY TRIAL // It makes sense for Apple to expand its Face ID facial recognition system to all its devices, and an iPad with such functionality is expected as soon as this year.
It looks like the company has also prepared Face ID for the Apple Watch, according to a recently-discovered patent, so the device would technically be able to unlock automatically whenever you look at it.
At first glance, this new feature would work hand in hand with the wrist rotation support that automatically turns on the display to show the time and the missed notifications, and using Face ID, the device could automatically unlock when enabling this gesture.
Just like on the iPhone X, Face ID on the Apple Watch would work with a camera integrated into its display, though right now it’s not clear if Apple wants to turn to a notch as well or the company has developed a different way allowing for such an implementation.
Sensors integrated into the band
The same patent also details further enhancements coming to the Apple Watch, many of which are based on sensors integrated into the band and allowing for more advanced sports performance analysis. Additional activities could be supported, such as baseball, as the new sensors would allow for further readings of certain hand gestures.
The next-generation Apple Watch could see daylight later this year, and the addition of Face ID would improve the way it works independently from an iPhone. The third-generation Apple Watch has already reduced reliance on the iPhone thanks to the built-in LTE support, and with Face ID, the device could boast even more powerful protection against unauthorized use.
Right now, the only way to secure an Apple Watch is with a passcode, which is automatically enabled when you remove the device from your wrist. But with Face ID, Apple could offer seamless integration, as the device can unlock whenever the owner looks at it.