How to enable Face ID for apps on iOS 18

In this article, we will explore how to enable Face ID for apps on iOS 18. Face ID is a powerful technology that allows users to unlock their phones and access secure information with just a glance. It uses advanced machine learning algorithms and facial recognition capabilities to provide an incredibly secure way to authenticate users.

As an iOS developer, you may be wondering how to take advantage of this technology for your app. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps required to enable Face ID for apps on iOS 18, including best practices and tips for creating a seamless user experience.

What is Face ID?

Face ID is a biometric authentication system developed by Apple that uses facial recognition technology to verify the identity of users. It allows users to unlock their phones, make purchases, and access secure information without having to enter a password or PIN. Face ID uses advanced machine learning algorithms and infrared technology to map the user’s face and compare it to a stored template to authenticate their identity.

Face ID is available on all iPhone X and later models, as well as on some iPad Pro models. It is also available on select Mac models, including the latest MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models.

How does Face ID work?

Face ID uses advanced machine learning algorithms to map the user’s face and compare it to a stored template to authenticate their identity. The process involves several steps:

  1. Face detection: Face ID first detects the presence of a face in the frame captured by the camera. It does this using advanced computer vision algorithms that can recognize different facial features, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth.

  2. Face normalization: Once a face is detected, Face ID normalizes it to account for factors such as head orientation and lighting conditions. This ensures that the stored template is compared to an accurate representation of the user’s face.

  3. Feature extraction: After normalizing the face, Face ID extracts facial features such as the distance between the eyes, the shape of the jawline, and the contours of the cheeks. These features are used to create a unique facial signature that is compared to the stored template.

  4. Template matching: Finally, Face ID compares the extracted facial features to the stored template to determine if they match. If there is a match, Face ID authenticates the user and grants access to the device or secure information.

Enabling Face ID for your app

Now that you understand how Face ID works, let’s explore how to enable it for your app on iOS 18. To do this, you will need to use the Local Authentication framework provided by Apple. This framework allows you to implement authentication using biometrics such as Face ID, Touch ID, and other fingerprint readers.

Enabling Face ID for your app

  1. Import the Local Authentication framework

  2. Step 1:

    First, you will need to import the Local Authentication framework in your Xcode project. You can do this by adding the following line to the top of your Swift file:

    swift
    import LocalAuthentication

  3. Check if Face ID is available

  4. Step 2:

    Next, you should check if Face ID is available on the user’s device before attempting to enable it. You can do this by checking the `isFaceIDAvailable` property of the `LocalAuthentication` class. Here’s an example:

    swift
    if let authContext LAContext() {
    let canAuthenticateWithBiometrics authContext.canEvaluatePolicy(.deviceOwnerAuthentication, error: nil) ?? false

    if canAuthenticateWithBiometrics && authContext.isFaceIDAvailable {
    // Enable Face ID authentication

    } else {
    print(“Face ID is not available on this device.”)
    }
    }

    In this example, we first create a new `LAContext` object to interact with the Local Authentication framework. We then check if the user’s device supports biometric authentication using the `canEvaluatePolicy(_:error:)` method.