IOS 14.5 lets Apple Watch users unlock iPhones with a mask on
Apple has released the developer version of iOS 14.5. The update allows Apple Watch owners to unlock their iPhone via Face ID, even when they wear a face mask. It is not yet clear when the release version of iOS 14.5 will come out.
The function only works when the user’s Apple Watch is already unlocked, Engadget also writes. Users’ iPhones are unlocked through the feature as soon as they look at their device. When this happens, the Apple Watch provides haptic feedback to let users know that the unlock was successful.
The function must be turned on manually. Other functions that use Face ID, such as approving purchases from the App Store, will not work through this new feature. However, users can relock their iPhone via a paired Apple Watch.
Since the outbreak of the new coronavirus, Apple has been working to make it easier for users to unlock their iPhones when they wear a face mask. Face ID, the primary unlocking method for many recent iPhones, does not work properly when users are wearing face masks. In May, Apple released a feature that lets users disable Face ID when wearing a mask. This allows users to enter their PIN code faster. iOS 14.5 should add a new option to speed up the unlocking process.
Separately, iOS 14.5 adds several other features. For example, iPhones and iPads are getting support for the PS5 and Xbox Series X and S controllers. The update also adds further features for Apple’s new Fitness+ service. Users can stream the audio and video streams of Fitness+ classes via AirPlay 2 to compatible televisions or other AirPlay 2 devices.
The update also implements Apple’s new privacy regulations, requiring app developers to obtain explicit user consent before collecting their Identifier for Advertisers. That’s a unique line of code assigned to each Apple device. Advertisers can anonymously track users through this IDFA and provide targeted advertisements. IOS 14.5 also enables worldwide support for dualsim-5G on the iPhone 12. Currently, this only works in China.
The iPhone 11 and iPhone 12, both of which use Face ID