iPhone X with Face ID

The iPhone X debuted on Apple’s September 12th Keynote event at the Steve Jobs Theatre alongside the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus. The iPhone X is named so after the Roman numeral (X) to mark ten years of existence of the iPhone, which was introduced in 2007. But aside from the naming system, the new entrant includes a notable feature; Face ID.

A huge step for the tech giant, it remains to be seen how the revolutionary feature will fare as a biometric security technology. “This is the future of how we’ll unlock our smartphones and protect our sensitive information”, enthused Apple Marketing Executive,Phill Schiller, emphasizing that with the iPhone X, your iPhone is locked until you look at it and it recognizes you. But naysayers aren’t convinced; concerns have been raised on the authenticity of Face ID as compared to Touch ID.

A user will be required to input their passcode to prevent unauthorized data transfer from an unlocked phone. Borrowing a leaf from Hollywood’s book, the new iPhone uses an infrared system called TrueDepth to project invisible light onto the user’s face which then captures and maps out the alignment of the face. In addition, an SOS mode that involves 5 taps disables Face ID when prompted.

Orphan Black

But internet memes around the flagship feature are yet to simmer down. The popular TV series ‘Orphan Black’ took to Twitter with a jibing tweet; ‘The Face ID failed for us too.”

However, Schiller suggests that identical twins may need to assess just how much they trust their siblings, or resort to a passcode.

Apart from the intriguing Face ID, the new iPhone will feature a vertical set of 12MP cameras, viewed as a plus for better photography. The Portrait Mode on the front camera is also set to further enhance photo-taking, allowing users to adjust minute details that were previously unavailable on its predecessors.

The new iPhone will be available in only two storage capacities; 64GB and 256GB and is set to be in stores soon.