Apple developing heart-based unlocking technology for future devices

This new method, detailed in a recently granted patent, uses cardiovascular measurements to identify users.

Currently, Apple's Apple Watch monitors heart rhythms through the ECG app. With this new technology, wearing your Apple Watch could potentially unlock all your Apple devices. This would eliminate the need for passwords, Touch ID, or Face ID, increasing security and convenience.

For example, users now have to unlock their Apple Watch with a passcode to unlock their Mac. With heart rhythm identification, simply wearing the watch and taking an ECG reading would allow seamless unlocking of other devices. Keeping the watch on would continually authenticate the user.

Apple's patent also explores an innovative iPhone design where the entire exterior can measure heart rate, allowing authentication just by holding the phone.

Beyond security, the patent mentions using ECG data to detect mood. For instance, it could play fast-paced music during a workout and slower music during cooldown, enhancing user experience.

The patent was credited to Gloria Lin, Taido L. Makajima, Pareet Rahul, and Andrew B. Hodge, who have contributed to various biometric identification technologies.