Apple has released iOS 15.4 beta to global markets. The new iOS 15 update brings many features, including universal controls, new emoji, and more. Among the main features of the iOS 15.4 beta is the ability to unlock your iPhone with Face ID while wearing a mask.
Apple users cannot unlock their iPhone models with Face ID because part of their face is covered by a mask. The company has unveiled an alternative that allows you to unlock your iPhone with your Apple Watch. However, this has required all iPhone users to spend extra on smartwatches. With the iOS 15.4 update, users can finally unlock their iPhones while wearing a mask and without having to use an Apple Watch.
How to unlock iPhone with Face ID while wearing a mask?
Users will be able to unlock their iPhones with Face ID while wearing a mask. They can choose to do this, or simply opt for the traditional way of manually entering the passcode each time they unlock the device. “Face ID is most accurate when set to full face recognition only. To use Face ID while wearing a mask, the iPhone can recognize unique features around the eyes for authentication,”Apple’s beta test log says.
It looks like only a few iPhone models will support the new feature. A MacRumors report states that the iPhone 12 or any newer iPhone model can be unlocked with Face ID while wearing a mask. This means users of the iPhone X, iPhone XS, and iPhone 11 models will have to rely on traditional methods to unlock their device. Apple did not provide a reason for restricting access to this feature for new iPhones. It’s possible that the iPhone 12 and newer iPhone models have some hardware improvements to provide better security.
In addition to this, the new update also improves the Face ID experience when wearing glasses. “Using Face ID while wearing a mask works best when it’s set to recognize every pair of glasses you regularly wear. Face ID with a mask does not support sunglasses.”Apple said after the launch of the iPhone X that Face ID would not work with some types of glasses that completely cover the area around the eyes. The technology analyzes the area around the eyes and other facial features to unlock the iPhone.
With the new masked iPhone unlock implementation, people can still wear regular masked glasses and unlock iPhones with Face ID.