We first reported the new functionality at the beginning of February, and last week it reminded you again: With iOS 14.5, Apple will give all iPhone owners the option to unlock their device with an Apple Watch if they’re wearing a mask. Today I downloaded the beta software that is currently needed for this purpose and after a few hours I can say: This new feature is a blessing.
But one after another. If you don’t want to wait for the latest release of iOS 14.5 and watchOS 7.4, you have to start first For Apple Beta Software sign in. Then you can install the yet unreleased operating systems on iPhone and Apple Watch. Since you now only have to upload a couple of personal files and then the updates are installed as usual, that’s no longer a big obstacle. And since we are about to launch the 6th beta, there will be no more problems in everyday life.
After updating iPhone and Apple Watch, you can open Face ID settings on iPhone. There you will find the following new menu item and you can activate it:
Then the magic can begin. Once you want to use Face ID, but iPhone cannot recognize your face due to the mask, it will automatically check if your Apple Watch is close, on your wrist and unlocked. If all this happens, the iPhone will be unlocked and a notification will be displayed on the Apple Watch at the same time, through which the iPhone can be locked again. A small security feature that is designed to protect against unauthorized access and also ensures that Face ID remains blocked until the next PIN is entered.
What surprised me: Unlocking with the Apple Watch works almost as fast as Face ID itself, and there’s no real lag. I was briefly at the supermarket and bakery at noon today – and the new job was a real boon. I don’t want to miss her anymore.
What’s also important: The important things, like paying with Apple Pay or opening apps with Face ID protection, can’t be activated with the new functionality.
