Four years after making the  revolutionary finger print sensors mainstream, Apple are taking biometric security up a notch with Face ID.

What is Face ID?

Apple’s advanced facial recognition system uses VCSEL (vertical-cavity surface-emitting) laser diodes and machine learning.  The  TrueDepth camera system in the notch (the area at the top of the iPhone X) is comprised of several components: a flood illuminator, IR camera and a dot projector alongside the standard elements.  It projects and analyses more than 30,000 invisible dots to create a precise depth map of your face.

In basic terms, it means that you can unlock your iPhone X by simply looking at the device. Apple claims that it’s incredibly accurate, and that only 1 in 1,000,000 faces will be able to unlock your iPhone, and the device will even recognise you with or without your glasses/hat.

What do you use Face ID for?

Face ID offers so much more than simply unlocking your phone with just a look. You’ll also be able to approve Apple Pay transactions with your face and mimic your facial expressions with Apple’s Amimoji in real time and more.

Apple have also confirmed that third-party developers will be able to make use of the Face ID technology in their apps. Watch out for iPhone X updates on Snapchat, Instagram and many more of your favourite apps.

Pre-order the iPhone X today, available worldwide with UK and international delivery.