Apple launched a new beta phase on Thursday evening, releasing iOS 15.4, iPadOS 15.4 and more. Apple is now testing the ability to use Face ID with a mask, without the Apple Watch. The company is also improving support for glasses.
The mask support was first announced by YouTuber Brandon Butch discovered. Apple describes the new features as follows:
Face ID is most accurate when it's set up to recognize only the whole face. To use Face ID while wearing a mask, iPhone can recognize the unique features around the eye to perform authentication.
The eye area in focus
This allows you to set up the Face ID feature with or without a mask. Even if you choose Face ID with a mask, you don't have to wear a mask when setting it up. To set up this new feature, simply navigate to iPhone Settings, "Face ID & Passcode" and select "Use Face ID with a mask." Although Apple is at least two years behind, this feature is very convenient since many iPhone users don't have an Apple Watch. While unlocking your phone with your Watch can be useful, the feature isn't particularly secure or reliable. With the new feature in iOS 15.4, it will be possible to unlock your iPhone using Face ID, which focuses on your eye area for authentication.
iOS 15.4 improves Face ID for glasses wearers
In addition to mask detection, Apple is also improving Face ID detection when wearing glasses. The company explains:
Using Face ID with a mask works best when it's set to recognize any glasses you regularly wear. Face ID with a mask doesn't support sunglasses.
When Apple announced the iPhone X, the company explained that some sunglasses would not work with Face ID depending on the lens. Since the TrueDepth system only needs to analyze your eye area when setting up facial recognition with a mask, it would make no sense if that area was covered by sunglasses. It seems that regular glasses will also work with a mask. Since the company is still working on iOS 15.4 works, it will take some time before this feature is available to all users. (Photo by galitskaya / Bigstockphoto)
