This feature is currently being tested in the iOS 15.4 beta, which should be available in a few weeks.
If Face ID offers a more practical and fluid identification solution than a fingerprint sensor, wearing a mask has considerably degraded the user experience offered by Apple.
A Face ID finally compatible with masks… but only for the most recent iPhones
The manufacturer did try to find a solution last year by using the Apple Watch to identify the hidden user and unlock the phone, but the very many iPhone owners who do not wear a connected watch have had to go back to the good old four or six digit code.
iOS 15.4 will finally provide a real answer with a new recognition mode adapted to masks. To do this, the operating system will focus on “lunique eye contour features to identify the user.
This option, to be activated in the settings, will request a new 3D scan to record the top of the face. If wearing glasses will not be a problem, Face ID will not work with a pair of sunglasses in addition to a mask.
Be careful however, Apple reserves this new feature for the moment only for its iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 . To see during the beta cycle if Apple expands the number of compatible devices or cuts out tens of millions of older iPhones.
Source: The Verge
14