While the full version won’t arrive for a while, Apple has just released the first developer version of iOS 14.5 today, and a change may be more immediate than useful than the rest. Once installed, the update will allow users to unlock their iPhones using Face ID even with a mask.
Unfortunately, there’s an important caveat: the feature only works if the iPhone owner also carries an Apple Watch. While the watch is already unlocked, just look at your iPhone as usual; after that, you will receive a haptic buzz on your wrist that will let you know that the unlock was correct. As we understand it, the feature, which must be activated manually before use, allows Face ID to proceed with an unlock despite a much lower accuracy of facial recognition, as the nearby clock has already been authenticated. You’ll also be able to lock your phone from your Apple Watch, though it’s worth noting that all other actions that may depend on a face unlock (such as approving an App Store purchase) can’t be managed. ‘this way.