The first developer beta preview of iOS 14.5 is now available and Apple Watch. Although there are many ways to unlock an iPhone, the Face ID solution hit a roadblock when the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the increased use of face masks. Soon, there will be a new route around the roadblock.
Shortly after people started using face masks in a bid to combat the spread of coronavirus, it became clear there was an issue with Face ID on iPhone. Apple did by Face ID altogether and use a code to unlock the device instead. The by option arrived as part of the iOS 13.5 software update rollout.
With iOS 14.5 now available as a developer beta, it is clear Apple is preparing another face mask solution. Spotted by The Wall Street Journal’s wearing an unlocked Apple Watch, Face ID will unlock the phone when they look at the device, even if they are wearing a mask at the time. If the Apple Watch is locked, it is likely the iPhone will remain locked with the authorization unable to be verified. In addition, it is likely the Apple Watch can only be used to unlock the iPhone and not for other Face ID-related features.
When Is iOS 14.5 Available?
Although now available as a developer beta, there’s no clear indication on when iOS 14.5 and the new Unlock iPhone with Apple Watch feature will become available. These preview releases are the iOS 14.4 update having arrived in January, iOS 14.5 could become available as soon as this month, if the same pattern is maintained.
It’s also worth mentioning the face mask feature is not expected to be the only new addition coming to iOS soon. Apple recently confirmed that it is now preparing its App Tracking Transparency privacy-focused feature and that is also expected to roll out to s in the coming months. Whether it will be part of the same iOS 14.5 update remains to be seen, but it is possible. Regardless, for those that have found unlocking an iPhone while wearing a mask to be a problem, the next iOS release will offer a solution. That is, as long as the mask-wearing iPhone also happens to own an Apple Watch as well.
Source: Joanna Stern/Twitter