Apple released the first developer beta of iOS 15.4 yesterday with some notable new features. Perhaps the biggest is the ability to unlock your iPhone with Face ID while wearing a mask, without the need for an Apple Watch. But apparently Apple Pay payments are also possible.
With the release of iOS 14.5 and watchOS 7.4 last year, Apple added the ability addedthat users wearing a mask can unlock their iPhone when wearing an Apple Watch, eliminating the need to enter a passcode. The Unlock with Apple Watch feature allows users to unlock their device while wearing a mask, but other features that rely on Face ID, such as Apple Pay and in-app authentication, will not work. However, this will change when iOS 15.4 is released. published Users will then be able to pay with Apple Pay and use Face ID in apps even when wearing a face mask.
iOS 15.4 & Co. will be released in spring
However, Apple warns that using Face ID with a mask is less secure and that the biometric authentication system is most accurate when used with full-face recognition. To enable Face ID when wearing a mask, an iPhone can "recognize the unique features around the eye area to authenticate," Apple says. The feature is limited to iPhone 12 and newer in the first beta, meaning users of older iPhone models will miss out. In addition to Face ID with a mask, Apple has also added the ability to configure Face ID when wearing glasses. iOS 15.4 and iPadOS 15.4 are expected to be released later this spring and will include new emojis, Universal Control, and more. (Photo by hadrian / Bigstockphoto)