Sunday, November 14, 2021
Why MacBooks Have No Face ID, and What Works Instead
Updated September 2026: in 2021, after Apple launched the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro with M1 Pro and M1 Max chips and a display notch but no Face ID, I shared my view on why Apple might have left it out. I have rewritten it with what the Mac offers instead and how the question looks today.
Reviewers praised the new MacBook Pro models in late 2021, but many criticised Apple for putting a notch in the display without Face ID. I could see reasons for leaving it out. People spend long periods at a laptop, so a camera that authenticates automatically could approve a payment or password without the user meaning to. And if a family member or child used the Mac for a few minutes, Face ID might unlock for you just because you walked past. Apple could add settings to prevent this, but many basic users would not change them.
Has any Mac shipped with Face ID?
Not as of this update. Macs use Touch ID on the keyboard instead, and the notch holds the camera. Rumours about Face ID on the Mac appear from time to time, so treat any claims as unconfirmed until Apple announces it.
How does Touch ID on a Mac work?
You register fingerprints in System Settings, under Touch ID and Password. They can unlock the Mac, fill passwords, approve Apple Pay and authorise app purchases. Each user account on the Mac has its own fingerprints, which suits shared family computers.
Why might Face ID be harder on a laptop than a phone?
- Thickness: the sensors need depth, and laptop lids are very thin.
- Intent: on a phone you look at it to act; at a laptop you are looking at the screen all the time.
- Angles: the lid angle and your position change more than with a phone.
What else can unlock a Mac quickly?
An Apple Watch can unlock the Mac and approve some requests when you are wearing it nearby. It is a useful option on Macs without Touch ID or when the keyboard is out of reach.
Is the missing Face ID a reason not to buy?
Rarely. Touch ID is fast and deliberate, which avoids the accidental approvals I worried about in 2021.