Apple patents Touch ID for iPad, but could it also come to Macs?

Touch ID patented for iPad, but could it come to Mac OS X too?
Touch ID has appeared in multiple iPad Air 2 leaks

It seems a pretty safe bet that Apple will incorporate its Touch ID security tech in its expected iPad Air 2, especially now that Apple has applied to patent the fingerprint sensor for tablet devices.

PatentlyApple uncovered a newly published filing showing the fingerprint sensor sitting within an iPad's home button, just like it's positioned in the iPhone 5S.

However, before you leave, unsurprised by this seemingly obvious development, there's an interesting plot twist; the patent also shows a Touch ID accessory that can be plugged into the 3.5mm jack.

It also mentions that the tech could take the form of a USB accessory that can be added to the device for authentication purposes.

Mac bound?

As neither the iPad nor iPhone has a USB port, it raises the possibility Apple may be pondering bringing the technology to its Mac OS X computing rang, too.

As Touch ID is currently used to authenticate purchases and protect unauthorised access to the device, there's no reason why Apple wouldn't want to bring it to Macs.

If the firm can do so, and make it backwards compatible by using a USB accessory, then all Apple users could soon have the same peace of mind as those rocking the iPhone 5S.

Would a fingerprint sensor boost your interest in snapping up a new iPad or Mac? Let us know your thoughts below.

TOPICS
Chris Smith

A technology journalist, writer and videographer of many magazines and websites including T3, Gadget Magazine and TechRadar.com. He specializes in applications for smartphones, tablets and handheld devices, with bylines also at The Guardian, WIRED, Trusted Reviews and Wareable. Chris is also the podcast host for The Liverpool Way. As well as tech and football, Chris is a pop-punk fan and enjoys the art of wrasslin'.

Latest in Macbooks
apple macbook air against blue background
There's a huge MacBook Air sale right now – shop record-low prices from $629.99
13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air M4 in Sky Blue
The new Apple MacBook Air M4 has a weird quirk with its performance cores - but it's nothing to worry about
MacBook Air 15-inch with M4 chip on a creative's desk with screen open
I've reviewed the Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) - and it remains the best 15-inch laptop I'd recommend for most people
Apple MacBook Air M3 on yellow background with lowest price text overlay
Forget the MacBook Air M4: here are 9 older-model MacBook deals from $629.99
MacBook Air mute key
The new M4 MacBook Air finally fixes an Apple keyboard annoyance that's been around for decades
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) REVIEW
The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) is the best ultraportable – and the new price makes it even more appealing
Latest in News
Stress
Complexity of IT systems could be increasing security risks for businesses
Ai tech, businessman show virtual graphic Global Internet connect Chatgpt Chat with AI, Artificial Intelligence.
CEOs think they might lose their jobs if they can't deliver on AI
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4
From Ace of Spades to Them Bones, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4's soundtrack is already looking excellent
An AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT made by Sapphire on a table with its retail packaging
AMD describes its recent RDNA 4 GPU launch as 'unprecedented' and promises restocking the Radeon RX 9070 XT as 'priority number one'
The Google Gemini logo against a black background.
I tried Gemini's new AI image generation tool - here are 5 ways to get the best art from Google's upcoming Flash 2.0 built-in image upgrade
An image of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra from a hands-on event
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra could resurrect an intriguing camera feature