If Touch ID's error rate is 1 in 50,000, Face ID is 1 in 1,000,000
Can reduce complexity compared to competitors and lower hardware unit costs

Apple removed fingerprint recognition and introduced Face ID. DigiEco released a report covering iPhone X's Face ID. Researcher Hwang Byung-sun stated that allowing consumers to choose from among iris recognition, fingerprint recognition, face recognition, and PIN numbers means that 'none of the security sensors are completely finished products.'

The front-facing camera of iPhone X has an IR camera and a Dot Projector. Competitors' iris recognition sensors also use IR LEDs, but the fundamental difference is that image processing is based on 3D rather than 2D.

The Dot Projector projects 30,000 invisible dots onto the user's face, which the IR camera reads and transmits the data to the A11 Bionic chip. The A11 processes the data through 3D modeling and compares it with the previously registered face. This process will repeat within 1 second.

According to Apple's announcement, Face ID uses a Flood Illuminator so it can be used in dark environments, and cannot be hacked even with a 3D mask. While Touch ID's error rate is 1 in 50,000, Face ID is 1 in 1,000,000.

The report evaluated the removal of the fingerprint sensor as 'an appropriate strategy that iPhone X should adopt.' It added that 'it is no exaggeration to say Apple popularized the fingerprint sensor built into the home button initially, and removing it again is a decision fitting Apple's DNA.'

Advantages compared to competitors include reducing consumer choice complexity and lowering hardware production unit costs. The report also noted that considering the narrow-bezel display, unlike competitors that added fingerprints on the back, iPhone X gains a design differentiation point.

As a result, the depth camera is 'a predictable scenario that Apple mounted it considering AR.' Animoji, which creates 3D emoticons using the captured face, is a case validating this direction.

Meanwhile, while there are limitations in discussing iPhone X's Face ID technology before its release, it remains to be seen whether it will demonstrate a high success rate beyond Caucasians.