Struggling to use Face ID with your mask? Apple will soon solve that problem

Source: CNN Business

May 2, 2020 at 10:28

PHOTOGRAPH: CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/GETTY IMAGES

Your iPhone can’t read your face if half of it is covered. While the new iOS 13.5 update won't fix that, it's likely to make logging in less of a nuisance.

New York (CNN Business) - With masks becoming a commonplace tool to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus, some iPhone owners are finding their once-useful Face ID function mostly useless.

Apple (AAPL) is changing that. In the latest beta release of iOS 13.5, multiple developers said a new Face ID feature makes it easier to unlock the iPhone without having to take off a mask.

In the new version of iOS, Face ID will recognize when someone is wearing a mask, and the iPhone will pull up the passcode entry screen after swiping up from the bottom of the screen -- no more constant searching for your face. The Face ID tool still won't unlock your iPhone unless you take off your mask, but it will make the switch to the passcode-unlock option significantly faster.

As pointed out by @Sonikku_a2, if you’re wearing a mask, iOS 13.5 goes straight to the passcode screen if you try to unlock with Face ID (keypad not shown because iOS hides it in screen recordings) pic.twitter.com/bQCzu5u20p
— Guilherme Rambo (@_inside) April 29, 2020

It's unclear when the fix will be rolled out, but it could be within weeks if other iOS updates are a clue. Apple didn't immediately return request for comment.

The upcoming iOS update is also loaded with new software that app developers can use to help iPhone users be notified if they've come in contact with a person having Covid-19. It's a joint project with Google that will help track the spread of the virus using Bluetooth technology.
The companies will first release interfaces built on existing public health apps in May that can work on iOS or Android systems, followed by a more comprehensive platform in the coming months to which users will be able to opt in. However, millions of people need to use to it for it become effective.