Many Mac users have long wished Apple would upgrade the webcams on their Mac lineup of computers, and it appears that if they get their wish the upgrade will be a big one. Code found in macOS Big Sur indicates that Face ID could come to the Mac in the future.
A Face ID capable camera would require a TrueDepth camera system. 9to5Mac discovered Face ID references in the latest Big Sur beta, including an extension with code to support a “PearlCamera” function.
“Pearl” is the codename Apple has used for Face ID and the TrueDepth camera system ever since the feature debuted alongside the iPhone X.
9to5Mac says there are “FaceDetect” and “BioCapture” references inside the extension, which certainly suggest a TrueDepth camera feature for Mac.
Currently, Apple’s MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models support Touch ID, with a button built into the laptops’ keyboard.
We have no idea when a new Mac might support Face ID, but the upcoming transition to Apple Silicon in new Macs certainly provides an excellent opportunity for Apple to make the Face ID leap in its Mac lineup.