As part of Apple’s Vision Pro headset announcement, the company has also revealed a new biometric authentication system known as Optic ID. The new system scans a user’s eye to look for unique patterns in the iris through cameras embedded within Apple Vision Pro.
Optic ID is the next iteration of Apple’s biometric authentication solutions after Face ID and Touch ID. It can be used to unlock the headset, access locked sections of apps, and authorize purchase transactions. Like Face ID and Touch ID, Optic ID data is locally stored and processed in the Secure Enclave, where it remains encrypted and unaccessible by anyone, including Apple.
Apple is also emphasizing the privacy-first nature of visionOS, Apple Vision Pro’s operating system. Camera and sensor data are processed at the system level, meaning that third-party apps are unable to access the user’s raw iris data, their surroundings, or where they’re actively looking.
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Optic ID is enabled through an array of precise eye-tracking sensors comprised of LEDs and infrared cameras embedded internally within Apple Vision Pro and facing the wearer’s face. This system projects invisible patterns of light onto each eye, identifying the unique patterns of each iris. According to Apple, the eye-tracking sensors also enable “ultraprecise input” where users can select UI elements by simply looking at them.
Apple today announced its Vision Pro mixed-reality headset and accompanying visionOS software platform. The headset will be available early next year initially in the US only, with prices starting at $3,499.
