Passcodes can be a nuisance—especially in a world that requires us to constantly remember a dozen (or several dozen) different ones. One way to alleviate the issue—especially when you own Apple devices—is to use an unlocked device to automatically unlock other devices. For example, an Apple Watch can be set to automatically unlock when your iPhone is within range.
According to a report from MacRumors, Apple is working on bringing similar functionality to the MacBook, allowing users to unlock the computer by swiping their finger on their iPhone's Touch ID.
The details of how, exactly, this feature would work are unclear. In a simple scenario, while your unlocked iPhone is near your MacBook, the MacBook will remain unlocked. An Apple Watch-MacBook combination could work in a similar way. An app called Knock provides similar functionality, but requires an app to be installed on both the watch and the MacBook.
According to the report, the new feature could appear in the next version of OS X, 10.12.
Of course, a more obvious way to allow users to unlock their MacBooks by swiping their finger would be for the company to simply include a fingerprint scanner in the next-generation MacBooks. The company has patented the technology for years, but there's no solid indication that it'll materialize anytime soon.
On Wednesday, MacRumors also reported that Siri could be coming to OS X, based on a screenshot of Siri in the OS X menu bar.
Neither rumor has been officially confirmed by Apple. The company is scheduled to preview OS X 10.12 during its WWDC developer conference in June. The new version of OS X is likely to be available in the fall.
