Apple updates Face ID for users wearing face masks

For iPhone users, using Face ID to unlock their phones was turning into a hassle now that face masks are necessary to perform essential tasks, but Apple will soon fix that problem. On Wednesday, Apple released the developer beta of iOS 13.5 with updates to Face ID and Group FaceTime, the company told USA TODAY.

“iOS 13.5 will be available to the public soon,” said Apple.

The update simplifies the unlock process for people wearing a medical mask by automatically presenting the passcode field after swiping up from the bottom of the Lock screen.

The new feature could halt users from removing their masks to unlock their phones.

The feature works when authenticating with the App Store, Apple Books, Apple Pay, iTunes and other apps that support Face ID sign- ins. This will prevent users from repeatedly having to use Face ID to unlock their phones. The update is available for models iPhone X, XS and 11, including their Plus and Pro versions.

In addition to the Face ID update, users who call through Group FaceTime don’t have to worry about video tiles changing size when a participant speaks thanks to a new feature that lets users control automatic prominence. If a user enables this preference, the tiles still are laid out asymmetrically and a user will need to tap on an individual tile to make it larger.

The beta of iOS 13.5 also will contain the first version of its exposure notification API for COVID- 19 contact tracing.

GETTY IMAGES Apple has updated iOS 13.5’ s Face ID and FaceTime.