Apple reveals jaw-dropping 'face data' technology

iPhone X face data.
(Image credit: Screenshot/Twitter/China Plus News)

Apple announced the rollout of its "face data" technology on Tuesday, expanding the horizons of personal security, emoji customization, and how identical twins can troll each other.

"FaceID," which is available with the iPhone X (pronounced "ten"), recognizes users by projecting thousands of tiny, invisible dots on their faces when they look at their phone. The technology is so specific that there is only a one-in-a-million chance that a random person can pick up your phone and "unlock" it with their own face (with TouchID, on the current iPhone models, that chance is more like 1 in 50,000).

"FaceID works if you change your hairstyle, wear a hat, wear glasses," writes The Verge's Nilay Patel. "It adapts to you if your face changes over time, like if you grow a beard. Works day and night. Can't be spoofed by photos."

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In addition to simply unlocking the phone, Apple envisions FaceID technology being used to pay for products in person or to unlock apps. The company also rolled out "Animojis" on Tuesday, which are cute emoji avatars that match your facial expressions. "Finally, I can be a cat," applauded The Verge's Lauren Goode.

Watch a demonstration below, and follow live updates at The Verge. Jeva Lange

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Jeva Lange

Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.