The Apple Watch may be getting a very unique form of biometric identification.
According to a new patent application, Apple is developing a next-generation heart rate sensor for the Apple Watch that could identify whoever’s wearing it based on individual vein patterns. In essence, Apple Watch wearers could use this biometric identification to seamlessly unlock their device or activate Apple Pay, similar to how Touch ID relies on your fingerprint to unlock an iPhone.
The patent, which was published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Thursday and first spotted by AppleInsider, describes using a pulse oximeter on the back of the Apple Watch to determine the vein pattern on the surface of the skin. If the veins match the owner’s pattern the Apple Watch would automatically unlock or verify the use of Apple Pay.
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