The latest version of Apple’s iOS 15.4 is now available for download, and the Face ID feature now works with a mask. With a face mask on, users will be able to unlock their iPhones and autofill passwords using Face ID. Apple claims that the feature authenticates by scanning unique features around the eye area, but it does warn that Face ID works best when the entire face is visible. Users do not, however, need to wear a mask when setting up Face ID.
Users of Apple iPhones can download and install iOS 15.4 by going to Settings> General> Software Update. Because the update is around 1.25GB in size, make sure you have WiFi when installing it. If you haven’t updated your iPhone in a while, the file size may be larger. You can also set a reminder to install the update while the phone is charging overnight. Here’s a rundown of what the new iOS 15.4 update has to offer.
Face ID
Face ID will first function while wearing a mask. After you install the new update, you’ll find this option in the settings. While wearing a mask, users will be able to use Face ID to access Apple Pay and password autofill in Safari. Users will be able to choose whether or not to use Face ID with a mask in the settings.
The iPhone 12 and newer devices, which include the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, Pro Max, and the latest iPhone 13 lineup, have this capability. Users of Apple’s iPhone 11 series, iPhone XS series, and iPhone X will be unable to use the feature.
Emoji
Apple’s iOS 15.4 update also adds new emojis to the keyboard, including faces, hand gestures, and everyday objects. Users can now select different skin tones for each hand when using the handshake emoji.
Facetime, Siri, and Vaccination
SharePlay sessions can now be started directly from supported apps with the new update. Meanwhile, on iPhone XS, iPhone XR, iPhone 11, or newer, Siri can now provide time and date information while offline. Additionally, EU residents can download and store verification of their vaccination, test results, and recovery records via the EU Digital Covid Certificate support in the Health app using the Vaccination Cards feature. The Covid-19 vaccination card in Apple Wallet now supports the EU Digital Covid Certificate format.
Other Features
Support for Italian and Chinese on Safari web page translation is also included in the update. Seasons, as well as played, unplayed, saved, and downloaded episodes, are now available in the Podcasts app. Apple iCloud custom email domains can be managed in Settings, and the News app’s Today feed and Audio tab will feature improved audio content discovery. Users will also be able to add text to Notes and Reminders using the camera on the keyboard. With Reminders, Shortcuts now supports adding, removing, and querying tags.
Apple has also changed the settings for Emergency SOS. Users can now use Call with Hold to get access to this. Furthermore, in Emergency SOS settings, a Call with 5 Presses is still an option.
Magnifier’s close-up mode now uses the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max’s Ultra-Wide camera to help users see small objects. Users will be able to save passwords in their own notes in Apple’s Settings app.
This update contains some bug fixes as well. The keyboard was inserting a full stop between typed numbers, the News widgets in Today View were not opening articles when tapped, and photos and videos were not syncing to iCloud Photo Library.
Another issue addressed by the update is the Speak Screen Accessibility feature in the Books app quitting unexpectedly. It also resolves an issue where the Live Listen did not turn off when the Control Centre was turned off.
