Apple Introduces Mask-Compatible Face ID in iOS 15.4 Beta
Key Takeaways
- Mask-compatible Face ID arrives in iOS 15.4 beta, using eye area data for authentication
- Requires a new face scan and offers an 'Add Glasses' option, but sunglasses remain unsupported
- Available only on iPhone 12 and 13 models, with Apple suggesting Apple Watch unlock for older devices
Apple has rolled out a new feature in the iOS 15.4 beta designed to make Face ID more practical for users who need to wear masks in public. The update allows iPhone owners to unlock their devices using Face ID even when a mask covers the lower part of the face.
The system works by focusing on unique features around the user’s eyes rather than the full face. To enable this functionality, users must perform a new face scan. The feature includes a toggle to disable it whenever needed and introduces an 'Add Glasses' option for those who wear spectacles. However, support for sunglasses has not yet been added.
Apple has included a security notice indicating that Face ID remains most accurate when set up for full-face recognition. The mask-compatible version is considered less secure. Importantly, this functionality is limited to iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 models. Users of iPhone 11 and earlier devices will not gain access to this feature, though they can still use the 'Unlock iPhone with Apple Watch' option, which was introduced in iOS 14.5.
