Apple released the iOS 14.5 developer beta and introduces exciting new features such as support for PS5 and Xbox Series controllers. But without a doubt, for many the most important thing will be the new option that will allow you to unlock the iPhone with the Apple Watch .
Apple and its particular Android Smart lock
Now that wearing a mask is commonplace, many iPhone users are beginning to miss the ability to unlock their phone with their fingerprint. Only owners of a pre-iPhone X model or those who have opted for an iPhone SE 2 continue with this much more convenient and faster security method right now.
Therefore, some had asked Apple to implement some type of adjustment or measure that would improve the action of unlocking the device when wearing a mask. Something that the company itself was not very clear about how to do without compromising the security that Face ID provides. Hence, they themselves did not recommend that other trick that had to register the face by placing the mask first on one half of the face and then on the other.
Well, with the beta of iOS 14.5 comes an official solution that will allow you to unlock the iPhone when using a mask . But be careful, because for this it will be essential to use an Apple Watch. So what Apple has really done is create its own Android Smartlock , a feature that allows you to use Bluetooth devices to unlock a phone.
The operation is very simple, from the iPhone settings you can activate a new option to use the Apple Watch as a method of unlocking the terminal. For this, it will be necessary for the user to have it on. It is not possible to do as with Android that really only requires that a device authorized in the Smartlock function is within the range of action to be able to unlock.
Therefore, it offers a security layer that does not interfere with that idea of Apple that seeks to prevent unauthorized access to the device and data that the user has on the iPhone or iPad. Of course, it is not a perfect solution either due to its requirements.
In order to use this new unlocking method or option, an Apple Watch with system version 7.4 will be necessary . That means that the Apple Watch Series 1 and Series 2 will not be able to serve as an access key to the iPhone. And while it is true that they are devices with some years already, they are also products that many continue to use because they do not need or have seen it necessary to make the leap to a new version of Apple’s smart watch.
When does iOS 14.5 arrive?
At the moment the version of iOS 14.5 is in beta for developers , later the public beta will be released for all those users who want to test in advance the news that will reach their Apple devices.
Therefore, there are still a few weeks until the final version is officially released. While the different errors that may appear will be polished and the overall performance of the system will improve, which we remember always includes more news than the ones that stand out.
More reasons to bet on an Apple Watch SE
With this new function, those who do not yet have one of Apple’s smart watches and have considered the option of doing it, the Apple Watch SE is a little more interesting if possible . Because apart from some very specific differences with respect to the Series 6, this cheaper watch from the company offers everything that the vast majority really need. And what’s more, if it is your first watch, it is the one that we recommend so that you can assess to what extent it gives you advantages or not in your day-to-day life.
