Apple’s latest iPhones rely on just one method of biometric
authentication and that is Face ID, which is making it difficult for users to unlock
their iPhones, since everyone these days is wearing a face mask. The other
option to unlock the new iPhones is to enter passcode, which can get hectic
when done constantly. As a result, Apple is offering users a solution to this
problem, via the Apple Watch.
With the new iOS 14.5 update, Apple users who own the Apple
Watch can authenticate and unlock their iPhone while wearing the Apple Watch on
their wrist. The trick was already available for Mac and now Apple has made it available
to iPhone users as well.
The way this trick works is that you lift your iPhone to turn on the screen, and you’ll feel a little nudge of haptic feedback on your Apple Watch, which will indicate that your iPhone has been unlocked. You must also make sure that both the devices are in close proximity and that the Apple Watch is not locked.
There is still one setback to this authentication trick,
which is that it won’t work as an authentication method when making App Store
and iTunes purchases. Moreover, according to feedback from Mac users, the
feature hasn’t been as reliable to use.
Recent reports suggest that Apple may shift to in-screen
fingerprint reader to complement Face ID for the iPhone 13. Since the latest
iPad Air also features a Touch ID fingerprint sensor within the power button,
it is possible that Apple would provide more options to users in terms of
choice in future iPhones.
