The media indicated that Apple is testing a feature that allows you to use Face ID to unlock the phone even when wearing a mask. The first developer beta of iOS 15.4 has a screen asking if you want to be able to use Face ID while wearing a mask, at the expense of low security.
According to The Verge, citing screenshots, Apple says that "the iPhone can recognize unique features around the eye area for authentication" but warns that Face ID will be more accurate if you set it not to work with a mask. Unfortunately, not everyone will be able to take advantage of this particular feature. So that the sources indicate that the company is only working on the iPhone 12 and 13 lines. They were also not able to use it on the iPad Pro 2018.
Here’s the new toggle in iOS 15.4 (settings > Face ID > Use Face ID with a Mask) pic.twitter.com/nL8PPxrrZe
— Brandon Butch (@BrandonButch) January 27, 2022
The Verge added that as the pandemic continued, people (and organizations like the New York City MTA) were asking Apple to add a way to allow people to unlock iPhones while wearing masks. Apple introduced various updates to help — iOS 13.5 will detect that you're wearing a mask and quickly ask for your passcode instead of trying to authenticate your face, and 14.5 allows people with Apple Watches to use Face ID while wearing a mask. (It appears to open to anyone wearing a mask, as long as your Apple Watch is close enough to the phone.) For folks who don't own an Apple Watch, it looks like this functionality might finally be on the horizon, assuming it proves it. Be safe enough.
- iOS 15.4 Beta Lets You Use Face ID With a Mask On
- iOS 15.4 enables Face ID support while wearing a mask, no Apple Watch required
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