At last, after numerous developer betas, Apple has just released the new update to Watch 7.4 to all users. A long-awaited new version, as it includes the unlocking of your iPhone if you wear the happy mask to prevent COVID-19.
It is the way that Apple has found to be able to unlock your iPhone if you are wearing the mask. Since Face ID can't identify you that way, at least if you're wearing the Apple Watch, iOS detects it and unlocks the phone. To activate this unlock, you need to have the watch updated to watchOS 7.4 and the iPhone to iOS 14.5 which was also just released.
Apple just released watchOS 7.4, the fourth major update to the Apple Watch operating system that was released in September 2020. watchOS 7.4 comes three months after watchOS 7.3, an update that introduced a new watch face, a Time to Walk feature. and expanded ECG availability.
watchOS 7.4 can be downloaded for free through the dedicated Apple Watch app on the iPhone by going to General> Software Update. To install the new software, the Apple Watch needs to have at least 50 percent battery, it needs to be placed on a charger, and it needs to be in range of the iPhone. Won't find watchOS 7.4 If you have not previously updated your iPhone to iOS 14.5.
System very similar to the one already known to unlock the Mac
A practical system for unlocking the iPhone with the Apple Watch if you are wearing the mask.
Along with iOS 14.5, watchOS 7.4 brings a new «Unlock with Apple Watch»Which allows an iPhone with Face ID enabled to use an unlocked and authenticated Apple Watch as a secondary authentication measure when wearing a mask, alleviating the need to enter a passcode to unlock the iPhone. Something similar to unlocking the Mac with Apple Watch, which takes a long time to operate.
Because Face ID it does not work when wearing a mask, it can be a hassle to have to constantly key in the PIN. The new Apple Watch feature provides an easy but secure way to seamlessly access iPhone with a passcode. It is almost identical to unlocking on Mac and can be enabled in the Settings app under Face ID and passcode.
An unlocked Apple Watch paired with Face ID can unlock the iPhone when wearing a mask, with visible eyes for Face ID. Apple Watch mask authentication cannot be used for Apple Pay or App Store purchases, nor can it be used to unlock apps that require a Face ID scan. In these situations, the mask will need to be removed or an access code / password will need to be used instead.
When the Apple Watch unlocks the iPhone, you will feel a haptic touch on your wrist and receive a notification on the watch to notify you when the iPhone has been unlocked, similar to how it works when you use the watch to unlock a Mac. There is also a proximity feature. , to make sure it must be close to your iPhone for it to be unlocked with the Apple Watch. Yes you don't wear it on your wrist, unlocking will not work.