The iPhone 13 can include an enhanced face ID that works with masks and fog glasses

Apple is currently testing new Face ID hardware that could allow users to unlock their iPhone while wearing a mask or fog goggles, according to leaker Jon Prosser.

Updated Face ID prototype rendering.

Through his website FrontPageTech.com, Prosser explained that Apple is testing more advanced face identification hardware using a case that fits perfectly around an iPhone 12. The case allows the iPhone to ignore the its built-in face identification system for use. .

Prosser believes the Face ID matrix prototype matches the exact design shown in the iPhone 13 CAD files earlier this year. This is because the Prototype’s Face ID hardware prototype is considerably narrower than that of the “iPhone 12”, which would align with the thinner notch expected of iPhone 13 models.

Apparently, external facial identification hardware was needed due to large-scale testing that was being performed to collect as much data as possible. This is said to have allowed Apple to give a large number of employees new hardware without distributing an unreleased ‌iphone‌.

Participating employees were asked to wear combinations of face masks and glasses in various conditions to test the new hardware. Employees were simply asked to perform the tests, but were not told what specific changes had been made to the Face ID sensor array in the case.

According to reports, the new hardware allows you to unlock iPhones with Face ID while wearing a mask, without the help of an Apple Watch and with fog glasses.

While Prosser highlighted the striking similarity of the case’s Face ID hardware to the smaller spot expected on the upcoming “iPhone 13”, it’s unclear whether this improved face ID will come with the “iPhone 13” or a future “iPhone” model.

Apparently, testing was done recently, so Prosser suggested that if the enhanced Face ID isn’t immediately available with the iPhone 13, it could be introduced with a later software update.

Prosser chose not to share the images of the alleged prototype unit because of the identifying marks he found there and shared a series of image-based renderings.