Apple has eventually replaced the ageing fingerprint sensor from the last-gen iPhone models with its new Face ID feature on the newly released iPhone X. As far as security and usability is concerned, the Face ID feature is a step ahead of the cumbersome Touch ID which is still being used on the iPhone 8 as well as iPhone 8 Plus models.
According to MacRumors, a couple of potential iPhone X customers recently reached out to Apple executive Craig Federighi via email out of sheer curiosity to know the working mechanism of the iPhone X's coveted Face ID feature when used with the sunglasses on.
Federighi has reportedly confirmed in his response to the customer query that Face ID will work fine with most sunglasses and its hidden security mechanism will kick in whenever a thief tries holding up the phone to the owner's face.
As far as sunglasses are concerned, the Face ID feature is designed to allow enough IR light to pass through the sunglasses and thereby it will be able to identify the user's eyes.
In response to the query about Face ID's security mechanism, Federighi said this:
"There are two mitigations: if you don't stare at the phone, it won't unlock. Also, if you grip the buttons on both sides of the phone when you[r] hand it over, it will temporarily disable Face ID."
Check out the screenshot of Federighi's email in response to the customer query (below):
In related news, Apple has officially confirmed that the iPhone X Face ID will support only one face per device at launch to ensure stringent security check for the device and keep it locked to the device's owner.
The Face ID's limitation of supporting just one face or one user per device could be tricky and troublesome for those living in a joint family with multiple people trying to access the phone for various purposes. Every time the device's owner will be forced to unlock the phone, before his/her family members could use it.
Such a hindrance could quickly get frustrating to those who are accustomed to sharing their device with others. However, one might still use the passcode option on the iPhone X and turn off the Face ID feature for good.
A passcode does not sound as convenient as the pattern lock or Touch ID feature, especially with young children who cannot read and the senior citizens who struggle to remember things.
If Face ID is not your forte, you still have the option of buying the iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus which still use the fingerprint sensor and Touch ID.
