Face ID in Landscape Mode on iPhone

Question

Level 1

4 points

Face ID in Landscape Mode on iPhone

I love using Face ID on my new iPhone 11, it is so handy. Before getting the iPhone 11 have been using an iPad Pro for a few years which also has Face ID.

I have always been able to unlock my device using Face ID irrespective of it's orientation. Now I am using the iPhone 11 it seems this is not the case and it only works in Portrait orientation.

I have seen a post where several people say it would need an extra sensor on the 'long side' of the phone to work, but the iPad Pro doesn't have that seemingly working in either orientation from the same sensor.

Can anyone shed any light on why it won't work and if they are likely to solve the issue.

thanks

iPhone 11

Posted on Apr 1, 2022 5:35 AM

Reply

Answer 1

ArmMan1016

Community Specialist

Apr 2, 2022 9:37 AM in response to Snr_Diggan

Hi there Snr_Diggan,

Welcome to Apple Support Communities. What you are experiencing is expected behavior, as Face ID is design to recognize your facial features in their natural position. Further explanation of this can be found here:

About Face ID advanced technology

We hope this helps you.

Reply

Answer 2

ArmMan1016

Community Specialist

Apr 2, 2022 10:21 AM in response to Snr_Diggan

Snr_Diggan,

Apple is all about improving the experience for their customers. If you've got a functionality request you'd like to see, let the engineers and developers know here:

Product Feedback

Take care and be safe.

Reply

Answer 3

Snr_Diggan Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 2, 2022 9:59 AM in response to ArmMan1016

Hello,

thanks for giving me a link to what I already know “Face ID only works on iPhone when it’s in portrait orientation and you’re facing the TrueDepth camera. On iPad, you can use Face ID when your iPad is in any orientation.”

I am aware of the limitation. But when the same technology works on one Apple device and not another I cannot believe it is down to the technology, but instead a software limitation.

the question is why does it work in both orientations on the iPad Pro but just in portrait mode on the iPhone.

Reply

Quick Links

Face ID in Landscape Mode on iPhone

Similar questions