Earlier this year, we reported that Mac OS X 10.12 would bring Siri support as one of the tentpole features. Apple is likely to introduce the next big update to OS X in just a few weeks at its annual WWDC event, and now we’re learning a bit more about what the company has in store. A new report today brings to light the possibility that Apple could add Touch ID support to OS X with 10.12, as well.
A report from MacRumors claims that Apple “could” be integrating an auto-unlock feature into OS X 10.12 that would allow an iPhone to unlock a Mac when the two are in close proximity of one another. Much like how Apple Watch can bypass its passcode when near an unlocked iPhone, the OS X and iPhone feature would also use Bluetooth LE.
In addition to an iPhone unlocking a Mac, the report claims that it’s also “possible” that when an Apple Watch is in close proximity to a Mac, it could also unlock the computer. This is similar to the functionality provided by the third-party app Knock.
Earlier this year, we heard that Apple was looking into bringing Apple Pay support to the web browser, and today’s report explains that the same Bluetooth LE communication could be used to power this feature as well. According to MacRumors, remote Touch ID could be used to confirm purchases.
In addition to unveiling Mac OS X 10.12, Apple is also expected to showcase iOS 10 at WWDC. We reported earlier this month the specific details of a redesigned Apple Music app that will be included in the update. We also noted that Apple Music Connect would be demoted in Apple Music’s iOS 10 overhaul, while lyric support would also be added.
The 2016 Worldwide Developer Conference is set to take place from June 13th through June 17th in San Francisco. You can read everything you need to know about the event in our detailed roundup here.
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