Apple introduced a fingerprint censor for unlocking its latest device iPhone 5s. Now, the company takes it to the whole new level - on Tuesday, December 3, Apple has been awarded the rights for a far more advanced and high-tech security patent, facial technology.

Apple was granted U.S. Patent No. 8,600,120, which is called a "personal computing device control using face detection and recognition." The patent's documents stated that face detection and recognition are two different processes, which detection involves locating faces within an image, while recognition is a step further matching the faces with a particular person or user.

This means that face could ultimately be used as password to unlock specific features on the phone, as well as keeping out anyone whose face isn't registered with Apple's facial recognition security as an authorized user from receiving calls and performing tasks.

Apple's newly acquired patent consists of three distinct features: a facial detection application that allows for actual faces to be identified, disregarding the background images; a facial recognition technology that identifies select and authorized faces; and an input/output application that allows Apple's devices act on all the facial data it collects to either allow or lock out phone access.

In addition, it is expected that Apple will port the new technology in iPhone 6, along with other devices such as television, PDAs and personal computers. For instance, the screensaver of a PC will react to a user's face rather than to a preset period of inactivity.

Apple's upcoming device iPhone 6 is expected to be released in spring 2014.