FaceGate is a free, open-source macOS security application designed to restrict access to individual installed applications. It allows users to unlock protected programs through facial recognition, Touch ID, or a password. The software performs facial recognition locally using Apple's Neural Engine and encrypted biometric templates. Users can register multiple faces and configure recognition sensitivity. Liveness detection introduces head movement challenges to reduce basic photo and video spoofing attempts. FaceGate also supports customizable unlock timers, scheduled locking, and automatic protection when the Mac sleeps. Additional safeguards include protected settings, uninstall restrictions, and menu bar controls. Built with Swift and SwiftUI, it provides an additional privacy layer for macOS 14 and later.
Features
- Application-level access protection with facial recognition, Touch ID, and password authentication
- On-device facial recognition with encrypted biometric templates and macOS Keychain integration
- Multi-face enrollment and head movement challenges for basic spoofing resistance
- Customizable application unlock timers with automatic locking after inactivity or sleep
- Scheduled application locking and configurable facial recognition availability windows
- Menu bar security controls with protected settings, uninstall restrictions, and emergency shortcuts