“Apple has been working on a new gesture-based lock screen for iOS devices that works similarly to Android’s ‘dots’ lock screen feature,” Mark Gurman reports for 9 to 5 Mac.
“The user sets up a pattern and needs to input that same pattern in, instead of a password or a four number code,” Gurman reports. “Apple has already deployed this new lock screen internally for use in the employee ‘Apple Connect’ application for iOS devices.”
Gurman reports, “There is no word on whether or not this new lock screen will make its way to iOS devices for users… The lock screen looks just like Android’s lock screen, which Google probably has patents on, so this might never see the fingers of consumers.”
Full article, which includes screenshots, here.
MacDailyNews Take: Wait, patented IP is public domain, right, Google?
The 9-point pattern unlock is less secure than a strong alphanumeric password. Apple’s likely using it internally for speed of unlocking only. If you need a stronger passcode for your iOS device: Settings>General>Passcode Lock>Simple Passcode “OFF” to set a full alphanumeric passcode.