Apple adopted Face ID facial recognition technology with the iPhone X in 2017, but this technology has proven to be a less practical solution amid the ongoing pandemic as it often fails to unlock the iPhone when you are wearing a mask, which requires you to enter the password to use your iPhone.
However, with iOS 14.5, Apple is trying to make it easier for iPhone owners with Face ID. The Cupertino-based tech giant has released the beta of iOS 14.5, which includes a feature that allows you to unlock your iPhone with Face ID while wearing a mask, provided you own an Apple Watch.
iPhone 12 Pro Max with Face ID
This feature is called “Unlock with Apple Watch” and is similar to Android’s Smart Lock in that it unlocks your iPhone with Face ID when your Apple Watch is near your iPhone. But note that Face ID must detect a mask for this to work, and your Apple Watch must be on your wrist. The smartwatch must also be password protected and unlocked.
If all of these conditions are met, you will receive a haptic feedback notification on your Apple Watch when your iPhone with Face ID is unlocked.
That said, it’s worth mentioning that the ‘Unlock with Apple Watch’ feature only unlocks your iPhone and doesn’t work with App Store and iTunes purchases, meaning you’ll still need to enter the passcode if you’re wearing a mask.
In addition to “Unlock with Apple Watch”, iOS 14.5 beta supports the Xbox X series and PlayStation 5 DualSense controllers. It also allows global 5G dual SIM support as well as AirPlay 2 support for Apple Fitness +.
More importantly, iOS 14.5 Beta comes with Application Tracking Transparency Controls, which allow you to prevent apps from tracking your activity on other companies’ apps and websites.
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