iOS 15.4: How to unlock iPhone using Face ID with mask
Two years after the start of the corona pandemic, Apple’s update to iOS 15.4 is bringing a function that many iPhone owners have been waiting for: unlocking via Face ID with a mask, which until now was only possible using the trick of unlocking via Apple Watch . COMPUTER BILD has already tried the function.
Face ID with mask: The setup
After installing iOS 15.4, the iPhone will start asking if you want to use Face ID with a mask. If the question is answered in the affirmative, the smartphone captures the face again. Important: You do not put on the mask. In the test with glasses, the first Face ID scan was followed by a second one with the message that you should now take off your glasses. Apple reveals why in the settings: “To use Face ID with a mask, the iPhone can recognize the unique features in the area around the eyes for authentication.” Apparently, this additional Face ID detection involves a deeper scan of the facial area around the eyes.
Face ID with a mask is set up in several steps: first activate it, then one (or more if you wear glasses) additional Face ID scans.
How well does Face ID work with a mask?
In the practical test with iOS 15.4 (tested with the beta), unlocking an iPhone 13 Pro Max via Face ID with the FFP2 mask on was generally reliable in several attempts, even with glasses on. Even enabling contactless payment with Apple Pay worked. However, unlocking often takes a moment longer, the delay is around a second. In certain situations, recognition works straight away – it sometimes helps to hold the iPhone directly in front of your face at eye level.
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How secure is Face ID with a mask?
Apple does not provide any specific information on this. However, there is a note in the iOS settings: “Face ID is most accurate when the entire face has been configured for recognition.” This suggests that unlocking with a mask might not be quite as reliable. It remains to be seen whether the process will make it easier to trick the recognition (usually not possible at all with Face ID or only with enormous effort). Apple does not provide any information on this – unlike Android manufacturers, who only enable their very trivial facial recognition with a security warning.
Unlocking by mask can also be activated later in the settings.
When will iOS 15.4 be available?
iOS 15.4 has been available since March 15, 2022, the beta was released on January 27. At the same time, iOS 15.4 offers the option of importing the EU vaccination certificate directly into the Health app – and in future into the Apple Wallet.
