Apple today released the first beta version of an upcoming watchOS 7.4 update for public beta testers, with the new beta a few days after the release of the first developer version.
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The watchOS 7.4 update can be downloaded after upgrading the iPhone to the public beta version of iOS 14.5. After installing iOS 14.5, the watchOS 7.4 software should appear as long as you have the Apple Watch profile installed. To update the new software, the “Apple Watch” must have a 50% battery life, be placed in the charger, and be within reach of the “iPhone.”
Along with iOS 14.5, watchOS 7.4 introduces a new “Unlock with Apple Watch” feature that allows an iPhone with Face ID to use an unlocked and authenticated Apple Watch as a secondary authentication measure when wearing a mask, alleviating the need to enter a password to unlock the iPhone.
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Face identification doesn’t work when wearing a mask, but this new Apple Watch feature provides an easy but secure way to access your “iPhone” without the hassle of a password. It’s similar to unlocking Apple Watch on a Mac and can be enabled in the Settings app in Face ID and Password.
An unlocked Apple Watch paired with Face ID can unlock the “iPhone” when wearing a mask, but can only be used. The Apple Watch can’t be used to authenticate Apple Pay or App Store purchases, nor can it be used to unlock apps that require a Face ID scan. In these situations, you will need to remove the mask or use a password / password.
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When the Apple Watch unlocks the “iPhone,” you’ll hear a touch on your wrist and you’ll receive a notification on your watch, similar to how it works when you use your watch to unlock a Mac.
For those using Apple Fitness +, the watchOS 7.4 update, combined with iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5, allows AirPlay 2 for Apple Fitness +, so workouts can be streamed to a TV or set-top box enabled with irAirPlay enabled 2. However, Apple Watch metrics do not appear on the screen when playing AirPlayed, and this feature is limited to iPhone / iPad / Apple TV.
watchOS 7.4 will be available in beta for several weeks, with Apple planning to release the update in early spring.