Forget about the iPhone 5S' fingerprint scanner; Apple has been granted a patent for new facial recognition technology you will possibly see in future iPhones.
According to Apple Insider, the tech company was awarded a US Patent and Trademark for "Personal computing device control using face detection and recognition." The new technology could mean future iPhones will scan your face to unlock the Apple device.
Apple reportedly filed for the patent in 2008, and credit Jeff Gonion and Duncan Robert Kerr as its developers.
"The technology would start by scanning your face in order to record all of its unique features, such as texture, color, size, and shape. You could run the same process for any other person whom you want to use your iPhone," CNET explained.
"In response to an incoming call, your phone would scan your face to make sure it matches that of an authorized user. If so, the call goes through, and your iPhone displays the usual incoming call screen. If not, the device remains in lock mode with only the ringtone chiming away," according to CNET.
Apple's patent is made up of three systems, Apple Insider reported. The three parts are a face detection decision application, a face recognition application and an input/output control application.
The three-part system combine to detect authorization for the proper user. Once authorization is given, the user will be able to use the device. However, it is unclear if we will see Apple implement the technology in the rumored iPhone 6 or other mobile devices.
"Facial recognition is quickly gaining momentum in the consumer electronics industry. The new Xbox One and PlayStation 4 gaming consoles tout the feature for user logins, while rival smartphone makers have toyed with the tech to varying degrees of success," Apple Insider reported.
Click here to view photos of Apple's facial recognition technology.
