Optic ID matching security
Optic ID matches against detailed iris structure in the near-infrared domain, which reveals highly unique patterns independent of iris pigmentation. It’s designed to protect against spoofing through the use of sophisticated neural networks that analyze the authenticity of the iris and surrounding region.
While a user is setting up Optic ID, spatiotemporally modulated eye-safe near-infrared light illuminates the eye, so that Apple Vision Pro eye cameras can capture images of the iris. This iris image data is sent to and processed on the Secure Enclave and Secure Neural Engine, where it’s transformed into a mathematical representation for enrollment. When the user unlocks or authenticates with Optic ID, the match attempt uses the same process to compare the iris to the enrolled biometric data to determine whether there’s a match.
Apple developed the neural networks and tuned algorithms for iris recognition using over a billion images. Studies conducted with the participants’ informed consent are used to collect those near-infrared domain images. Apple worked with participants from around the world to include a representative group of people accounting for gender, age, ethnicity, and other factors. The studies were augmented as needed to provide a high degree of accuracy for a diverse range of users.
Optic ID works with prescription soft contact lenses and ZEISS Optical Inserts for users who require vision correction. An antispoofing neural network spots and resist spoofs—and defends against attempts to unlock the device with photos or masks. Optic ID data, including mathematical representations of a user’s eye, is encrypted and available only to the Secure Enclave. This data never leaves the device. It’s not sent to Apple, nor is it included in device backups.
The following Optic ID data is saved, encrypted only for use by the Secure Enclave, during normal operation:
The mathematical representations of a user’s eye and iris calculated during enrollment
The mathematical representations of a user’s eye and iris calculated during some unlock attempts if Optic ID deems them useful to augment future matching—for instance, improved visibility of iris or different pupil size
Eye images captured during normal operation aren’t saved but are instead immediately discarded after the mathematical representation is calculated for either enrollment in Optic ID or for matching with enrolled Optic ID data.