Face ID Notch on MacBooks: What to Expect
Apple may add Face ID to MacBooks in the next few years, likely by shrinking the current notch rather than removing it. The technology already exists in iPhones and iPads, and Apple has patents for embedding Face ID components into a laptop display. However, no official announcement has been made, and the timeline remains speculative.
Why Face ID on MacBooks Makes Sense
Face ID is Apple’s facial recognition system that uses a TrueDepth camera to map your face and unlock devices. It is faster and often more secure than Touch ID, especially for Mac users who already use Apple Pay, password autofill, and app authentication. The MacBook Pro and MacBook Air already have a notch for the 1080p webcam, so adding the extra sensors would be a natural extension.
Apple has also been moving toward a unified ecosystem where Face ID works across all devices. Adding it to MacBooks would let users unlock their laptop with the same face they use to unlock their iPhone, and it would enable features like FaceTime with portrait mode and Animoji on macOS.
How Face ID Works on a MacBook
Face ID on a MacBook would use the same TrueDepth camera system as the iPhone: a dot projector, infrared camera, and flood illuminator. The dot projector projects over 30,000 invisible dots onto your face, and the infrared camera reads the pattern to create a depth map. This data is processed by the Secure Enclave, a dedicated chip that stores the mathematical representation of your face.
On a laptop, the sensors would sit in the notch at the top of the display, alongside the webcam and ambient light sensor. The main difference from an iPhone is that the MacBook’s screen is a clamshell, so the sensors would face you directly when the lid is open. Apple would need to optimize the system for varying distances and angles, since you might be closer or farther from the screen than you would be with a phone.
What the Notch Would Look Like
The current MacBook notch is a small black cutout that houses the webcam and microphone. It is about 2.5 mm deep and spans roughly 1/5 of the top edge. Adding Face ID would require more space for the dot projector and infrared camera, so the notch would likely become wider, possibly similar to the iPhone’s notch or the Dynamic Island on newer iPhones.
Apple could also make the notch smaller by moving the Face ID sensors to the keyboard area or using under-display technology, but that is still experimental. The most likely design is a slightly larger notch that blends into the menu bar, which already sits in the notch area on current models.
When Could It Arrive?
There is no confirmed release date. Apple typically updates the MacBook Pro every 1–2 years and the MacBook Air every 1–3 years. Rumors have pointed to a Face ID MacBook as early as 2024, but those have not materialized. The most recent MacBook models (2023–2024) still use Touch ID, and Apple has not publicly mentioned Face ID for Macs.
Patents and component orders can hint at future plans, but they are not guarantees. Apple may be waiting for a new display technology or a more efficient Face ID sensor that uses less power. It is also possible that Apple is prioritizing other features, such as larger screens or better battery life, before adding Face ID.
Common Misconceptions
One common misconception is that Face ID would replace Touch ID entirely. In reality, Apple tends to keep multiple authentication methods. For example, iPhones have Face ID but still require a passcode as a backup. On a MacBook, you would likely still have Touch ID on the power button for cases where the camera is blocked, such as when the lid is closed or you are wearing a mask.
Another misconception is that Face ID is less secure than Touch ID. Apple claims Face ID has a 1 in 1,000,000 false positive rate, compared to 1 in 50,000 for Touch ID. However, Face ID can be fooled by identical twins, and it requires your eyes to be open (unless you disable that in settings). On a MacBook, the same security features would apply.
How It Would Compare to Windows Hello
Windows laptops have had facial recognition for years via Windows Hello, which uses infrared cameras to authenticate users. Windows Hello works well and is often faster than typing a password. However, it is not as widely adopted as Face ID because it is not built into every Windows laptop, and many budget models lack the necessary hardware.
Apple’s advantage is that it controls both hardware and software, so Face ID on a MacBook would be tightly integrated with macOS. It would work with Apple Pay, password autofill, and third-party apps without extra setup. Windows Hello, by contrast, relies on the OEM to include the camera, and support varies by app.
Potential Problems and Limitations
One issue is that the TrueDepth camera consumes more power than a standard webcam, which could affect battery life. Apple would need to manage power efficiently, perhaps by using the camera only when needed. Another issue is that the notch takes up screen space, and a wider notch would reduce the usable display area for the menu bar.
There is also the question of privacy. Face ID data is stored locally in the Secure Enclave, not in the cloud, so it is not sent to Apple. However, some users are uncomfortable with facial recognition, and Apple would need to reassure them that the data stays on the device. Additionally, Face ID does not work in complete darkness unless the flood illuminator is on, which could be a concern for users in dark rooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Face ID come to MacBooks?
Apple has not announced it, but it is likely in the future. The technology is mature, and Apple has patents for it. However, there is no confirmed timeline, so it could be 2–5 years away.
Will the notch disappear?
Probably not immediately. The notch may become wider to accommodate Face ID sensors, but it will likely remain for the foreseeable future because it is a design choice that Apple has adopted across its lineup. Under-display cameras are not yet good enough for Face ID.
Is Face ID more secure than Touch ID?
Apple states Face ID has a lower false positive rate (1 in 1,000,000) than Touch ID (1 in 50,000). However, Face ID can be fooled by identical twins, and it requires your eyes to be open unless you change the setting. Both are secure for everyday use.
Can I use Face ID on my current MacBook?
No, current MacBooks do not have the necessary hardware. You can use an iPhone or iPad with Face ID for some authentication, but not for unlocking your MacBook. You can use Apple Watch to unlock your Mac, but that is a different feature.
Will Face ID work with glasses or a mask?
Face ID works with glasses, but you may need to set up an alternate appearance. With a mask, Face ID does not work unless you have an Apple Watch, which can unlock your iPhone. On a MacBook, you would likely need to enter your password or use Touch ID if you are wearing a mask.
What about privacy?
Face ID data is encrypted and stored locally in the Secure Enclave. It is not uploaded to Apple or iCloud. The system only sends a mathematical representation of your face, not an image, to the Secure Enclave for comparison. Apple cannot access it.
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