HIGHLIGHTS
- Other enhancements include safety alerts displayed during AirTag setup.
- Siri, the virtual assistant, now has a new voice.
- Users will also benefit from greater SharePlay integration.
Apple has launched a software update that allows iPhone owners to wear face masks to unlock their smartphones. The new iOS 15.4 version, which was launched on Monday, also contains a slew of new capabilities for current iPhones.
According to Apple, the new functionality that allows users to unlock their iPhones using Face ID while wearing masks is limited to iOS 15.4 and is only accessible on the iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max, as well as the iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max.
The option to utilise Face ID with a mask will be available on the welcome screen once the device has been upgraded, according to the announcement.
Other updates include safety cautions during AirTag setup, a new Siri voice, and the ability to answer time and date inquiries when offline.
Other features included in the update include Tap to Pay on iPhone, a service that allows users to accept credit cards through Apple Pay; Universal Control, a feature that allows users to drag and drop files between an iPad and a Mac; the ability to scan text directly into a file in the Notes app; and additional SharePlay integration to allow users to quickly share songs and other content over FaceTime.
Users have been anticipating the ability of facial recognition technology to function with face masks from the beginning of the COVID-19 epidemic in early 2020.
Apple did tried to fix the issue by introducing a faster way to unlock Face ID-equipped devices when wearing face masks using passcodes. Last year, it also introduced the ability to unlock Face ID using an Apple Watch.
Along with iOS 15.4, Apple is releasing iPadOS 15.4 and macOS Monterey 12.3. The latest software updates include Universal Control, which allows users to control both the iPad and the Mac with a single keyboard and mouse.
