If this is true, it could definitely come in handy.
A recently published Apple patent indicates that Apple’s forthcoming “Apple Glass” headset could allow users to skip unlocking their iPhones, as they will have already been authenticated. Similar to an Apple Watch, the device could automatically unlock a user’s other devices.
The patent, which was initially applied for in 2018, and entitled “Authenticated Device Assisted User Authentication” is now a newly-granted patent that concerns authentication by proximity. Instead of having to repeatedly unlock their iPhone, iPad, Mac, or other devices, a user could authenticate once via “Apple Glass.”
Per the patent:
“Many electronic devices restrict access to various features based on authentication of the identity of the user. When multiple devices are used concurrently, procedures for unlocking each device individually can delay user access and reduce the quality of the user experience.”
Apple’s proposed solution is to allow for nearby, or “proximate” devices such as an iPhone, iPad Pro, Mac, or other device to be unlocked.
Apple’s proposed solution “includes an authenticated device that is worn by a user as a head-mounted device.” Nearby, or “proximate” devices can be the iPhone, iPad Pro, Mac, and so forth.
Also from the patent:
“[Then the] authenticated device is operable to detect the proximate device to determine an intent of the user to access the restricted-access function of the proximate device while the proximate device is in the locked state, and to emit authentication data. Based on the authentication data, the proximate device identifies the user as an authenticated user and enters the unlocked state from the locked state, such that the restricted-access function of the proximate device is accessible to the user,”
Devices may be unlocked by looking at them, or through proximity
Apple suggests that there could be levels of authentication. Just picking up the iPhone or iPad while wearing “Apple Glass” could allow a limited amount of use. That’s similar to how you can now have notifications to appear on the lock screen, or allow access to Control Center without unlocking.
The patent then suggests that the Apple Glass headset could send an authentication code to unlock a device if the user looks that way. The headset could also automatically lock the device when they look away.
The newly-granted patent is credited to four inventors, including Fletcher R.
Rothkopf.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via AppleInsider and the United States Patent and Trademark Office