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ApplePatent applicationSecurity & privacyInterest 7/10

Apple patents eye-tracking to unlock nearby devices automatically

Apple has filed a patent for a system where a device with a camera and eye tracker detects another device in the room. If the user looks at that second device, the first device automatically sends unlocking information to it.

Why it mattersThis could make switching between your phone, laptop, or smart home gadgets smoother by using your gaze as a security check instead of typing passwords.

In the filing’s own words

In one implementation, a method of authenticating a user is performed by a first device including a camera, an eye tracker, one or more processors, and non-transitory memory. The method includes obtaining, via the camera, an image of a physical environment. The method includes detecting, in the image of the physical environment, a second device. The method includes determining, using the eye tracker, a gaze of a user. The method includes determining that the gaze of the user is directed to the second device. The method includes, in response to determining that the gaze of the user is directed to the second device, transmitting authentication credentials to the second device.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A method comprising: at a first device including one or more processors and non-transitory memory: detecting a second device in a physical environment; based on detection of the second device, detecting a user action indicating the second device; in response to detecting the user action indicating the second device, transmitting unlocking data to the second device.

Facts

Company
Apple (Apple Inc.)
Official title
Method and Device for Automatic Authentication
Publication number
US20260288925A1
Application number
19689281
Filed
May 27, 2026
Published
Sep 24, 2026
Inventors
2
Claims
20

Classified under

G06F 21/32 Physics & computingG06T 7/20 Physics & computingG06V 40/18 Physics & computing
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.