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Apple has released the first beta of iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5 and more. The updates include some interesting new features, including Face ID.
iOS 14.5 includes a major improvement for using Face ID on the iPhone while wearing a mask. The iPhone running iOS 14.5 when paired with an Apple Watch running watchOS 7.4 can automatically unlock Face ID when a face mask is worn. As Joanna Stern of the Wall Street Journal reported, the new "Unlock iPhone with Apple Watch" feature works when Face ID detects that the user is wearing a face mask. This means that if an unlocked Apple Watch is worn, the iPhone can be unlocked directly with Face ID even if the face mask is worn. A passcode is not required. However, if the Apple Watch's wrist detection is disabled, the new feature cannot be used. Apple explains:
iOS 14.5 & watchOS 7.4: Feature must be activated
iPhone can use your Apple Watch to unlock when Face ID recognizes a face wearing a mask. Your Apple Watch must be nearby, on your wrist, unlocked, and protected by a passcode.
This is the second change to Face ID. In April last year, under iOS 13.5, Apple also made an adjustment to facial recognition because of face masks. This allows users who wear a mask to skip the authentication process and enter the code. The new function makes the whole thing even more convenient. However, anyone who wants to use the feature has to activate it separately.(Photo by hadrian / Bigstockphoto)
