Oliver Haslam on February 2, 2021, 9:00 pm

iOS 14.5 Can Unlock iPhone Face ID Using Apple Watch When Wearing A Mask

Apple released iOS 14.5 and watchOS 7.4 in beta form yesterday, giving developers the chance to test out any changes that were made before the update is made available to the public.

One of those changes appears to be the addition of a feature that allows the Apple Watch to unlock your iPhone even when you’re wearing a face mask.

The feature, which requires both the Apple Watch and iPhone be running the latest beta releases, is a great addition for those who use a Face ID-equipped iPhone but find that they have to enter their passcode to gain access to their device when wearing a mask. Now, an unlocked Apple Watch will authenticate the iPhone so long as it’s on your wrist and can detect a heart rate.

iPhone can use your Apple Watch to unlock when Face ID detects a face with a mask. Your Apple Watch must be nearby, on your wrist, unlocked, and protected by a passcode.

There’s no telling when this update will make its way to a public launch given the fact this is still the first beta of iOS 14.5 and watchOS 7.4.

If we had to guess, we’d say a few weeks at best. It’s also possible that the feature will be removed before the update ships, but given the fact it appears to work well in this initial beta, we’re hopeful that won’t happen.