Apple iOS 14.5 Unveiled... iPhone Unlocks Even While Wearing a Mask

Early Morning Release on the 27th
Face ID Unlock Using Apple Watch
Enhanced Privacy Protection Features

Photo by Apple

[Asia Economy Reporter Minyoung Cha] Apple has officially introduced the iPhone Face ID unlock feature using the Apple Watch. This resolves consumer inconvenience where Face ID did not work properly while wearing a mask.

Apple released the iPhone operating system (OS) iOS 14.5 update containing this feature in the early hours of the 27th.

If the iPhone determines that the user cannot operate the Face ID function due to wearing a mask, it sends a haptic signal to the Apple Watch. If the Apple Watch is unlocked, the iPhone grants access to the smartphone. The Apple Watch uses a skin recognition system that requires a one-time password unlock when first put on after being removed, and then maintains the unlocked state as long as it remains in contact with the skin.

There are also security measures related to this. Even if someone else wears the Apple Watch, ▲ the original owner must have their face recognized several times a day without a mask, and ▲ the physical distance between the iPhone and Apple Watch must be within 2 meters. This feature applies to iPhone X and later models, and the Apple Watch must be Series 3 or later.

Privacy protection features are also enhanced. The so-called 'App Tracking Transparency' feature allows users to actively permit or deny apps the authority to track their activity while using data. Apps must obtain user permission to track the device’s advertising identifier or access this identifier.

The initial voice setting for the AI assistant Siri is diversified. Since there is no longer a default voice, users can select their preferred voice when setting up the device for the first time. When set to English, more voice options are available. Siri’s Group FaceTime support is improved, and it also includes an emergency contact feature for urgent situations.

Meanwhile, emoji faces are becoming more diverse. For the kissing couple emoji and the couple emoji with a heart between them, users can select different skin tones for each person.