Face recognition is a super convenient way to unlock your phone, but with most of us wearing face masks these days, it has become nearly obsolete. Fortunately, Apple has rectified this with the latest iOS developer beta that includes a new feature that’s being tested — the ability to use Face ID while wearing a mask, AND without needing an Apple Watch.
According to Apple, Face ID performs its best with full-face recognition. Now, with this new feature, Face ID will attempt to analyze and recognize features around the eyes and take note of what is unique or recognizable. This will help the phone’s technology determine if the correct user is facing the camera.
Users will have to opt into this feature, since it’s not enabled by default. To do so, just head over to the Face ID and Passcode menu and tick the “Use Face ID with a mask” option. However, wearing glasses won’t be a problem but sunglasses may be more of a challenge.
Additionally, the iOS beta includes other features such as attaching notes to iCloud Keychain passwords and a feature that copies text from objects captured by the camera. Gamers will also be glad to know that support for adaptive triggers o the PS5 DualSense controller has also been added. And keeping up with the times, EU Digital Covid Certificate-compatible vaccination documents can be stored in Wallet as well.
The company’s tablet system, iPad OS 15.4, is also receiving a couple of updates – including brightness control for the keyboard, and the long-awaited Universal Control that can access different Macs and iPads with a single mouse and keyboard.
Unfortunately, there is no news yet as to when the final iOS build will be released, but the beta version is available for all users with a valid Apple ID.