iOS 15.4 mask unlock on iPhone is everything you'd expect from Apple: instant

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31 Comments Eduardo Archanco@eaala

The iPhone will be able to unlock Face ID even when wearing a mask, in a first beta of iOS 15.4 that became the news of the day. Two years it has taken Apple to readapt its facial recognition system for masks. Although the wait, as we have seen, has been well worth it.

A little Face ID setup to unlock with mask

When we install iOS 15.4 in its final version and if Apple does not change the process, the user will come across an invitation to officially configure Face ID with a mask. To do this, it is required to have an iPhone 12 or an iPhone 13, as they are the models that have a second-generation Face ID system. Reason why the iPhone X, iPhone XS and iPhone 11 are all left out.

If we do not accept the invitation to configure Face ID with a mask, we can go to Settings> Face ID and code and activate the option "Use Face ID with a mask". When doing this, we will be asked to do a new exploration identical to the one we did with Face ID the first time: put the face in the center of the image and turn the head.

As an addition, Apple requires that we look at the iPhone carefully as an extra security measure

We must do it without a mask (obviously) and without glasses of any kind. Later, we will be able to add several glasses to see, to fine-tune the model when we use a mask and glasses at the same time (something that is sometimes an impossible mission due to the mist). However, this functionality cannot be used with sunglasses of any kind, we understand that it is because they do not allow us to see our face through them and check it.

In two words: instant

Those who install this beta will be able to try this new functionality first-hand. Although we already know how these things work, the iOS 15.4 mask unlock could undergo some modification and even be withdrawn at the last minute. But it doesn't look like that's going to happen.

It's amazing how fast the iPhone unlocks with a mask on and iOS 15.4 configured

When you try it for the first time, you realize that there is not much of a story. With the mask on and without the need for an Apple Watch, we can instantly unlock an iPhone. It's really surprising, because the iPhone lets us in without even a second's hesitation. I dare say it's just as fast as without a mask.

In ApplesferaThis is how Universal Control works (well) in the new betas of macOS 12.3 and iPadOS 15.4

This functionality may arrive later than we would have liked. Although the pandemic situation has improved, the truth is that it is very likely that we will still be wearing masks for some time. Whether indoors, public transport or other situations where we are surrounded by many people. Therefore, it will be a most useful function.

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