Since the widespread use of face masks due to the coronavirus pandemic, users of newer iPhone models have reported issues with the Face ID biometric system, as it has become nearly useless with masks on. Currently, to unlock an iPhone, users must either remove their masks or manually enter their device’s passcode. However, with the release of the iOS 15.4 update, users will be able to unlock their devices without removing their masks and without needing an Apple Watch.
Apple began addressing the problem of recognizing users’ faces while wearing masks nearly a year ago by adding a feature in iOS 14.5 that allowed devices to be unlocked using an Apple Watch. In the iOS 15.4 update, users can unlock their devices without the use of smartwatches. On January 27, Apple released the first beta version of iOS 15.4. The update revises the facial recognition method, allowing the biometric system to recognize a user’s face even when masked, by identifying unique features around the eyes.
To set up and use the new feature, users must go to the settings app in iOS 15.4 and select the new option “Use Face ID with a Mask,” then rescan their face. There will also be a new option called “Add Glasses,” enabling the unlocking of the device while wearing both a mask and glasses.
However, for Face ID to work with a mask, the user must look directly at their device, as the biometric system guarantees the highest accuracy only when set to recognize the full face, a caution that Apple has communicated.