Apple unveils Face id with a mask on with IOS 15.4

In iOS 15.4, which is still only in the beta version, Apple has added a great new feature that allows you to unlock your iPhone with Face ID and authenticate Apple Pay payments even when you're wearing a mask.

In the previous versions of iOS going back to iOS 14.5, it is possible to unlock your iPhone while wearing a mask, but only if you're also wearing an Apple Watch as an extra layer of security. The new option has removed the need for an Apple Watch.

Another limitation of the earlier "Unlock with Apple Watch" feature is that it doesn't let you authenticate Apple Pay transactions and app purchases, whereas the new "Face ID With a Mask" feature does.

To enable Face ID while wearing a mask, an iPhone "can recognize the unique features around the eye area to authenticate," according to Apple. However, Apple warned that using Face ID with a mask is less secure, and that the biometric authentication system remains "most accurate" when used with full-face recognition.

Sadly, Face ID With a Mask is limited to some of Apple's newest iPhones, even if Face ID has been available since 2017 with the iPhone X. Face ID With a Mask is only an option on the iPhone 12 and later, so you'll need an iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max or an iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, or 13 Pro Max.

When you update your device to iOS 15.4, you'll see a setup process that walks you through set-up of Face ID With a Mask. To set up the feature manually at a later time, follow these steps. Note that you'll need iOS 15.4 installed on your iPhone, and these options won't show up if you have an iPhone 11 or earlier.

1. On your iPhone, open the Settings app.

2. Next, go into Face ID & Passcode.

3. Then enter your passcode.

4. Toggle on Use Face ID With a Mask.

5. On the next page, choose the Use Face ID With a Mask option.

6. Set up Face ID with your mask on.

Note that Face ID With a Mask doesn't support sunglasses, although Apple has also added the ability to configure Face ID while wearing glasses separately (Settings -> Face ID & Passcode -> Add Glasses).

There are also new emojis that come with iOS 15.4, like heart hands, biting lip and a pregnant person in the update. There are over 37 new emojis in the update. The emojis were revealed last fall, and also include a melting face, a face holding back tears, a bird's nest, coral, a lotus, a low battery and kidney beans.

Another feature included in the update is the ability to copy text from objects using the camera while in the Notes or Reminders apps. Be on the lookout for the official iOS 15.4 public update for these amazing features!