Face ID to Soon Support Masks If You’re Also Wearing an Apple Watch

As discovered by the folks over at Pocket-lint, iPhone users will soon be able to unlock their devices using Face ID, even if they’re wearing a mask. For this feature to work, however, users will also need to be wearing an Apple Watch paired with their iPhones.

In the latest iOS 14.5 beta release, Apple has included this feature as part of several new enhancements, including updates to Siri, 5G global Dual-SIM support, as well as support for latest-generation Xbox and PlayStation game controllers and App Tracking controls.

Apple notes that that Face ID will work just as you would expect with the new update. Your Apple Watch will give you some haptic feedback to let you know your iPhone has been unlocked.

This is similar behaviour to using the Apple Watch to unlock your Mac which has been available for some time. Once again your Watch will need to be in close proximity to your iPhone. 

This process will work with Apple Pay too – so you don’t need to remove your mask when you’re stood at the counter, rather defeating the point of wearing a mask in the first place.

The option will not be enabled automatically so you’ll need to enable it in Settings > Face ID & Passcode on your iPhone once Apple rolls out the iOS 14.5 update to general public.