A new report suggests Apple is actively exploring ways to integrate Face ID into future MacBook and iMac models, but technical constraints are slowing progress. Unlike iPhones and iPads, which use compact sensors embedded in the notch, Macs would require a larger and more complex camera system to support facial recognition—especially in thin laptop lids.
Apple has reportedly tested Face ID modules for MacBook Pro and iMac prototypes, but challenges around display thickness, camera placement, and power efficiency have kept the feature from launching. The company is also weighing whether Face ID offers enough added value over Touch ID, which already provides fast and secure authentication across the Mac lineup.
One possibility is that Face ID could debut first on desktop Macs like the iMac or Mac Studio, where space constraints are less severe. These devices could house the necessary infrared sensors and dot projectors without compromising design. However, even in that scenario, Apple may retain Touch ID for continuity and user preference.
The report also notes that Apple is focused on expanding biometric features through software, such as Apple Intelligence and personalized device behavior. This suggests that Face ID on Mac may be part of a broader push toward context-aware computing, rather than a simple hardware upgrade.
For now, Touch ID remains the default across MacBooks and Magic Keyboards. But if Apple can overcome the engineering hurdles, Face ID could become a standard feature in the next wave of Macs—possibly by 2027.
