Good news iPhone and iPad users: There’s a new update you’ll soon be able to download and install, and it might do away with some of the frustrations that come with mask-wearing while trying to use the Face ID feature.
Apple is scheduled to release iOS 15.4 and iPadOS 15.4 Monday.
The operating system update will use the area around a user’s eyes to confirm a face ID when trying to open your device while wearing a face mask. Once the new update has been installed, users will be prompted to set up a new Face ID while wearing a mask, despite Apple saying that Face ID is “most accurate when it’s set up for full-face recognition only,” 9 to 5 Mac reported.
Before the update, the only way to unlock a phone while leaving your mask on was through an Apple Watch, USA Today reported.
The feature is available on iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 12, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone Pro and iPhone Pro Max.
iOS 15.4 also has 37 new emojis including a melting face, peeking face, heart hands, a troll and low battery. They were finalized last September, and for a full list, you can visit Emojipedia’s website.
For business owners, or anyone who accepts payments, there’s a new “tap to pay” feature that allows users to accept credit card payments without having to buy a piece of hardware, CNBC reported.
There are upgrades for Siri, including a new voice and users being able to ask basic questions like what day and time it is when Siri is not online.
Users will also be able to scan text right into the Notes app and through Universal Control, be able to drag and drop files between a Mac and their phone, CNBC reported.