iOS 15.4: How to Set Up Face ID With a Mask

     

 iOS 15.4: How to Set Up Face ID With a Mask

 In iOS 15.4, currently in beta, Apple has added a handy 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 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 removes 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 cautions 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.