A New iOS Feature Lets You Open Your Phone With A Mask On

A new update coming to newer iPhones will allow users to open their phones using Face ID with a mask on. However, the iPhone’s Face ID update will only work if the user is wearing an Apple Watch. The iPhone and Apple Watch need to be connected for the facial recognition to work as part of the new iOS 14. 5 update.

Recent iPhones, such as Phone X, XS, XR, 11, 12, feature Face ID. With the iOS 14, the new version 14.5 is now available as a developer beta, but it will be available in the next few weeks to consumers with both up-to-date iPhones and Apple Watch. 

Apple confirmed the essential details about the Face ID upgrade. There’s no complicated process involved; it’s as simple as a regular face scan or thumbprint scan. Whenever someone unlocks their phone, Apple Watch will let the person know their phone is unlocked. However, the phone and watch must be in close proximity for the Face ID to work. The watch will provide a subtle nudge when the facial recognition is successful. Apple Watch provides similar oversight for Macbooks. 

The update is making the iPhone more convenient and accessible during the pandemic. The Apple Face ID provides access to Apple Pay as well. Say, if a consumer needs Apple Pay when they’re in public, they won’t need to remove their mask. The App Store, iTunes Store, and Safari will still need passwords answered to operate. Soon all an iPhone owner will need to do is go to their settings, click on Face ID, and enter the passcode to securely set up Face ID. 

The upgrade is one of the many new additions in iOS 14.5/iPadOS 14.5. One of the latest upgrades even affects gamers how?. The newest updates for Siri will support the new Xbox and PlayStation consoles. With new App Tracking controls, those additions will allow consumers to prevent developers from tracking their location via apps. The company will also update the weather app. In the United Kingdom, for example, the app will adjust its weather forecasts every 60 seconds. Expect handwriting recognition as well, which will support several languages. 

In the past, Apple consumers have noted inconsistencies in quality over Apple’s facial recognition software. Presently, Apple remains to test the new Face ID feature before officially launching. According to The Wall Street Journal, there are rumors Apple wants to improve their in-screen fingerprint reader to complement Face ID as well. Although Apple would have more access to personal information, likeness, and fingerprint, it may make security on an iPhone tighter. The latest iPad Air had an in-screen fingerprint reader. In the past, the fingerprint scan was in the home button.

During the pandemic, Face ID has been largely useless for iPhone owners. Apple is responding to the times, as well as consumers’ annoyance with the Face ID feature in recent months. Soon enough iPhone owners will comfortably and easily access their phones without putting their safety at risk by removing their masks.