iPhone Face ID Now You Can Unlock When Using Face Mask

iPhone Face ID Now You Can Unlock When Using Face Mask

Apple has released the iOS 15.4 Developer Beta 1 update for developers to try. There are a number of tested new features as well as behind-the-scenes improvements. One of the most interesting is the Face ID feature in iOS 15.4 Beta 1. Namely the screen unlock mode with a facial biometric scanner or Face ID, which can now recognize the iPhone owner's face when using a face mask.

Previously, Apple had released a feature to unlock Face ID when wearing a face mask, but you also had to use an Apple Watch for additional authentication. Now in iOS 15.4 Beta 1, Apple is testing the Face ID unlock feature when wearing a face mask but not needing to use the Apple Watch.

Quoted from Apple Insider, the Face ID unlock feature when wearing a face mask is available as an additional setting in the Settings - Face ID and Passcode - Use Face ID With a Mask section.

Apple explained that the Use Face ID With a Mask feature will read the face around the eyes as a biometric authentication mode. Users also have to stare at the iPhone screen to use the Use Face ID With a Mask mode. It was also explained that the most accurate face recognition with Face ID is to use the full Face ID scanning mode. Namely the forehead, eyes, nose to around the mouth.


"Face ID is most accurate when it's set up for full-face recognition only. To use Face ID while wearing a mask, iPhone can recognize the unique features around the eye area to authenticate.”


In addition to Use Face ID With a Mask, Apple also provides additional settings, namely Add Glasses or detecting the face of a user who wears glasses while wearing a mask. However, this feature only applies when you use reading glasses or not glasses with dark lenses.

Unfortunately, the Use Face ID With a Mask feature is only available on the iPhone 12 series and iPhone 13 series devices in initial testing. Maybe Apple will add support to other devices in the next Beta.

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