Why the Face ID unlock with a mask feature will only work on iPhone 12 and above
Need for speed (of processing)
How will this work?
Apple’s currently testing this out with the iOS 15.4 public beta, and will roll it out to all users in the coming months. To make Face ID work, the company has worked on new algorithms, trained to identify areas around the eye region to unlock your device.
The firm claimed that this new feature’s security levels are the same as Face ID without a mask — an error rate of 1 in 1,000,000 tries.
Currently, youriPhonecan recognize your face when you’re trying to unlock it at an angle. However, to make it work accurately while wearing a mask, you’ll have to directly look at the iPhone.
The settings screen of the upcoming Face ID feature that’ll work with masks in iOS 15.4.
What if I wear glasses?
The new version of Face ID will support unlocking with a mask even if you were wearing glasses.While it’s advisable to register your full face with glasses when you do the initial scan, you can add spectacles later. For security reasons,Applewill allow up to four pairs of eyewear with each enrollment.
Okay, I have a compatible iPhone. What do I do?
If you’re itching to use this feature, you can go ahead andsign up for the iOS public betato download iOS 15.4. You can read more about how to install a beta version on your phonehere.
If you don’t want to do that, you might have towait for a while before the update arrives.
What about other iPhones?
At this time, you’re out of luck. But there are some alternatives: if you own an Apple Watch, you can readour guideto set up your iPhone to unlock when you’re wearing a mask. In other cases, Apple has made it faster tobring up the passcode screen in just a few secondsif Face ID detects you’re wearing a mask.
We’ll update you with a detailed guide when this feature rolls out to everyone.Hopefully, we won’t have to wait long.
Story byIvan Mehta
Ivan covers Big Tech, India, policy, AI, security, platforms, and apps for TNW. That’s one heck of a mixed bag. He likes to say “Bleh.“Ivan covers Big Tech, India, policy, AI, security, platforms, and apps for TNW. That’s one heck of a mixed bag. He likes to say “Bleh.”
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