So, Apple unveiled its Apple Vision Pro VR headset with its new visionOS which brought up a new recognition system called Optic ID. While Apple has previously implemented Touch ID and Face ID on iPhones, this marks the company’s first use of iris recognition.

What is Optic ID? Know Everything

Apple has expanded its biometric authentication lineup with the introduction of Optic ID, a new iris-scanning technology featured in the Vision Pro headset.

This new recognition system serves as the primary security authentication method for unlocking Apple’s Vision Pro mixed reality headset, which was unveiled at the WWDC 2023 event. Apple explains that the system analyzes a user’s iris by utilizing LED light exposure and compares it to an enrolled Optic ID stored securely on the device’s Secure Enclave. During the keynote, Mike Rockwell, Apple’s VP of the technology development group, mentioned that Optic ID can distinguish iris differences even among identical twins.

Apple currently offers two biometric authentication systems on iPhones, namely Touch ID and Face ID. However, a new biometric system called Optic ID has been introduced exclusively for the Vision Pro headset. Optic ID utilizes infrared dots and a depth sensor for authentication purposes.

What is Optic ID? A new recognition system for Apple Vision Pro

Apple emphasises that the optical recognition system remains exclusively on the user’s device, ensuring data privacy and security through complete encryption. To determine the accuracy and speed of optical ID compared to face ID, a comprehensive hands-on experience with Vision Pro will be necessary.

The Samsung Galaxy S8, released in 2017, was one of the last widely available consumer tech devices to feature an eye scanner. It is hoped that Apple has made advancements in iris scanning technology since then, ensuring robust protection against potential hacking vulnerabilities.

via TheVerge