Face ID, while a powerful technology, doesn't actually "see" you in the dark. It relies on infrared light emitted by the TrueDepth camera system to illuminate your face, allowing it to map your facial features even in low-light conditions.
Here's how it works:
- Infrared Light: The TrueDepth camera emits invisible infrared light that illuminates your face.
- Depth Sensing: The camera uses a sophisticated system of dots projected onto your face to create a 3D depth map.
- Facial Recognition: This depth map is then compared to your registered Face ID data, allowing for secure authentication.
This process enables Face ID to function even in the dark, as the infrared light provides the necessary illumination for the camera to capture a clear image of your face.
However, it's important to note that Face ID may not be as reliable in very dark environments, as the infrared light might not be strong enough to penetrate complete darkness. In such situations, you might need to use an alternative authentication method like a passcode.