Alongside the release of iOS 14.5 beta 2 today, Apple is also releasing the second developer beta of watchOS 7.4. This update includes the corresponding watchOS features to unlock your iPhone with your Apple Watch while wearing a mask.
To enable the Unlock with Apple Watch feature, open the Settings app on your iPhone, then look for the “Face ID & Passcode” setting. Once you flip this toggle, your Apple Watch will be able to authenticate your iPhone as long as the following conditions are met:
- Face ID detects a mask
- Your Apple Watch is nearby
- Your Apple Watch is on your wrist
- Your Apple Watch is unlocked
- Your Apple Watch has a passcode enabled
Once you enable the feature, your iPhone will unlock automatically with your Apple Watch the next time you wear a face mask.
In addition to the Apple Watch Unlock feature, watchOS 7.4 alongside iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5 add support for AirPlay 2 to Apple Fitness+. This means that workouts can be casted to an AirPlay 2-enabled TV or set-top box. One limitation here is that the live Apple Watch metrics, such as heart rate do not show up on the screen when streamed via AirPlay.
Developers can update their Apple Watch to watchOS 7.4 beta 2 by opening the Settings app on the Apple Watch and looking for Software Update option. You can also install the update via the Apple Watch companion app on your iPhone. Today’s update is build 18T5159f.
