Face ID Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Article ID = 197Article Title = Face ID Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Article Author(s) = Graham Needham (BH)
Article Created On = 28th September 2017
Article Last Updated = 8th January 2019
Article URL = https://www.macstrategy.com/article.php?197
Article Brief Description:
Frequently Asked Questions about Face ID first incorporated in the iPhone X
Face ID Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Face ID was first introduced with the iPhone X. It replaces Touch ID and the technology is likely to be featured in future iPhone/iPad Pro models.Q. What is Face ID?
A. There is no Touch ID home button on newer iPhone/iPad Pro models. The iPhone/iPad Pro's security unlocking is done by using the front facing TrueDepth camera and your face.Q. Is Face ID more secure than Touch ID?
A. There is a 50,000-1 chance someone else can unlock your iPhone/iPad Pro with Touch ID. Face ID raises this to 1,000,000-1.Q. Touch ID can work with several different fingerprints including those of different people. Can Face ID work with multiple faces/people?
A. iOS 12 and later supports two faces/people. Earlier versions of iOS only support one face/person.Q. Does Face ID store images of my face?
A. It doesn't store pictures in the traditional sense. It creates and stores "maps" of your face. It does this by using the dot projector (30,000+ dots) and the infra-red camera. These maps are mathematical models which are then stored in the secure enclave in the iPhone/iPad Pro itself - no data is sent to any (Apple) servers with all the processing being done on the iPhone/iPad Pro itself. Apple does not gather customer data when you setup the Face ID system on your iPhone/iPad Pro. Only in the case that you wish to provide Face ID diagnostic data to AppleCare for support will this information be transferred from your device.Q. Can law enforcement request Face ID data?
A. No, because Apple has no data to provide.Q. Does Face ID disable itself in certain situations like Touch ID does?
A. Yes. Face ID will be disabled when:- The device hasn't been unlocked for more than 48 hours
- The device has just been turned on or restarted
- The passcode hasn't been used to unlock the device in the last 6.5 days and Face ID hasn't unlocked the device in the last 4 hours
- The device has received a remote lock command e.g. Find My iPhone/iPad > Lost Mode
- After 5 unsuccessful attempts to match a face
- After initiating power off/Emergency SOS by pressing and holding either volume button and the side button simultaneously for 2 seconds
Q. Does Face ID work in the dark?
A. Yes and it doesn't need to light your face up with a "torch light" - it uses infra-red.Q. Does Face ID work if I change my appearance e.g. grow a beard/moustache, change my hair style/colour?
A. Yes, Face ID learns and updates the 3D mathematical models of your face over time. If there is a more significant change in your appearance, like shaving a full beard, Face ID confirms your identity by using your passcode before it updates your face data.Q. Does Face ID work if parts of my face are obscured e.g. hats, scarves, glasses, make-up?
A. Yes, Face ID only needs your eyes, nose, and mouth to be uncovered to work. So if you have a garment that, for example, covers your mouth Face ID will not work. However, it has been revealed that Face ID will still work even with most sunglasses due to the infra-red part of the system.Q. Can Face ID be tricked with a photo?
A. Supposedly, no. Face ID uses 3D imaging so 2D photos won't work.Q. Can Face ID be tricked with a mask?
A. Supposedly, no. Face ID has been programmed to spot "masks", even high quality professional versions.Q. Can Face ID accidentally unlock your iPhone/iPad Pro?
A. Supposedly, no. Face ID has been programmed with "attention awareness" and should only work when you are looking towards the iPhone/iPad Pro's screen. Looking away, turning to the side, closing your eyes should not unlock the iPhone/iPad Pro because it needs to see both eyes and your nose and mouth.Q. But what if I have a disability that means I can't give the iPhone/iPad Pro my "attention" easily?
A. You can turn attention awareness off (Attention Detection in Settings) but this will lower the security capability of the feature because the iPhone/iPad Pro will not ensure that your eyes are directly focused on it.Q. If I'm asleep/unconscious can someone unlock my iPhone/iPad Pro with my face?
A. Supposedly, no. Face ID should only work if your eyes are open and you are looking directly at the iPhone/iPad Pro's screen.Q. Could a thief unlock my iPhone/iPad Pro just pointing the iPhone/iPad Pro at my face?
Q. Could a security agent force me to unlock my iPhone/iPad Pro just by pointing the iPhone/iPad Pro at my face?
A. Potentially yes, but there are a couple of mitigations to help. Firstly, unlocking should only work if your eyes are open and you are facing/looking directly at the iPhone/iPad Pro's screen. Secondly, if you grip the buttons on both sides of the phone (when handing it over) that will disable Face ID.Q. Does Face ID work with Apple Pay?
A. Yes.Q. Can Face ID work with third party apps?
A. Yes, just like Touch ID can, but the third party developer will need to update their app to take advantage of the technology. The password management app 1Password was mentioned during Apple's demo on the 12th September 2017.Q. Does the TrueDepth front camera work with third party apps?
A. Third party apps can utilise ARkit to access the TrueDepth front camera face-tracking features but the third party developer will need to update their app to take advantage of the technology. Apple showed a Snapchat "mask" feature during their demo on the 12th September 2017. Third party developers cannot access the secure enclave and they have no access to Face ID map data stored there.Q. Is there any where I can get more official information about Face ID?
A. Yes:- Apple Knowledge Base - About Face ID advanced technology
- Face ID Security Guide [PDF]
- Apple Developer web site - Human Interface Guidelines: Authentication
Q. Will the TrueDepth camera/infra-red camera/dot projector cause me any harm/damage?
A. No. It meets international safety standards. The system will not cause any harm to eyes or skin, due to its low output.
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