Apple is testing function to disable Face ID when wearing a mask

Apple is testing a feature to skip facial recognition on an iPhone X, XR, XS or 11 if users wear a face mask and give them the option to enter the PIN code right away. That is not the case now.

In addition, users could immediately enter a PIN code when users swipe up on the screen to unlock, 9to5Mac reports. Now users first have to wait for the software to indicate that the facial recognition is not working, a process that can take ten seconds. Users can also tap Face ID in the center of the screen for faster PIN entry. Many users are wearing face masks due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The function should prevent people who wear a face mask from quickly taking it off to access their phone, something that is not intended when wearing that face protection. The feature works in the third beta of iOS 13.5, which was previously known as iOS 13.4.5. It also contains the api for contact research via bluetooth. Face ID is the infrared facial recognition on the iPhone X, XS, XS Max, XR, 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max.