Fix Face ID

This simple trick speeds things up instantly.

Author

Leander Kahney
August 14, 2024

I’m a huge fan of Face ID, Apple’s biometric authentication system.

For me, it works remarkably well to unlock my iPhone or iPad, or to authenticate a website login or an online purchase.

But sometimes, it just doesn’t work.

Face ID seems to fail more frequently on iPad than iPhone — perhaps because people tend to hold their phones closer to their faces than they do their tablets.

If you are having trouble with Face ID, here’s a simple trick to make it work much, much better — without severely compromising your security.

Also in today’s newsletter:

  • Hurrah! NFC transactions are coming to third-party apps with iOS 18.1 (with a catch).

  • You probably won’t be surprised by the biggest-selling Apple Watch model, but curiously, Apple no longer even sells the second most popular one.

  • A small Apple TV+ PSA: Bad Monkey, a crime comedy starring Vince Vaughn, is now streaming.

  • Last year, I bought four pairs of AirPods Pro for my kids for Xmas for an unbelievable price on eBay. I should have known: They’re knockoffs. Here’s how to spot fake AirPods.

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

This iPad trick can end your Face ID woes

You can speed up Face ID on your iPad with this simple tweak. You'll enjoy quick and easy unlocking without really compromising security.

Apple opens iPhone’s NFC chip to third-party apps — for a price

Aside from the fees, iPhone app developers will be happy to hear that secure in-app NFC transactions are coming with iOS 18.1.

English Premier League turns to iPhone to track offside soccer players

An innovative system powered by iPhones can accurately monitor players on the field.

A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team

Ready for the fall semester? You will be with this deal on a refurb MacBook Air.

Gear up for the new semester. Get a refurbished MacBook Air with Intel processor, now on sale for $449.99.

New Apple video celebrates all athletes ahead of Paralympic Games

In Apple's "The Relay" Paralympics video, all athletes show the same drive, competitive spirit and reliance on Apple gear.

A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team

Instantly analyze more than 30,000 stocks with this easy-to-use app

Not every stock delivers like AAPL or NVDA. Use the Tykr stock screener to quickly and easily weigh investments and make money the smart way.

No Apple Watch model can touch this one’s popularity

The most popular Apple Watch model according to sales volume might surprise some users, a new study finds.

‘Ted Lasso’ creator spanks ‘Bad Monkey’ in new comedy [Now streaming on Apple TV+]

The "Bad Monkey" trailer from Apple TV+ shows ex-detective Vince Vaughn trying to get his job back if he can get past a furry primate.

How to spot fake AirPods

Need to check if your new AirPods are genuine? Follow these steps to identify fake AirPods, which might be more common than you think.

Today in Apple history: Tide turns against Apple in war with Microsoft

On August 14, 1991, a judge's ruling dealt a major blow to Apple's legal case over the WIndows UI. Thus began Apple's big 1990s decline.

Vivo mount lifts external displays and MacBook Pro together [Setups]

In today's MacBook Pro setup, a coder uses a Vivo Dual Monitor Desk Mount to hold aloft two external displays and the laptop on a tray.

Tweets of the day

Wallpaper of the day

One more thing ...

❝

The only purpose for me in building a company is so that it can make products. Of course, building a very strong company and a foundation of talent and culture is essential over the long run to keep making great products. On the other hand, to me, the company is one of humanity's most amazing inventions. It's totally abstract. Sure, you have to build something with bricks and mortar to put the people in, but basically a company is this abstract construct we've invented, and it's incredibly powerful.

— Steve Jobs, 1998.

Today’s poll

How reliable is Face ID for you?

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Results from yesterday’s poll: Do you want a folding iPhone?

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