If you’re part of Apple’s Beta Software Program, the company has released new betas today to let you test new features.
Specifically, the Public Beta versions of iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5 and watchOS 7.4 are now available.
With iOS 14.5 public beta and watchOS 7.4 public beta, you’ll be able to test the new iPhone unlocking feature with Apple Watch. This feature aims to make unlocking an iPhone much easier when one is wearing a face mask, as your Apple Watch will authenticate for you.
After installing both of these public betas on your iPhone and Apple Watch, you’ll need to configure settings to get started.
On the Watch app on your iPhone, head to Passcode settings and enable ‘Unlock with iPhone’.
On your iPhone, head to Face ID & Passcode within Settings, then enable the Unlock with Apple Watch feature.
Once complete, you’ll be able to unlock your iPhone without a passcode when you have a mask on, as long as your Apple Watch is on your wrist and authenticated. It’s similar to how the Apple Watch unlock feature works for the Mac.
Since this is just the first beta of iOS 14.5 so far, expect final versions for the masses to be released in a month or so.
