The next big software update will allow you to use your Apple Watch to unlock your iPhone and bring Fitness Plus to more screens.
The Apple Watch will make unlocking your iPhone less of a hassle while wearing a mask and brings AirPlay 2 compatibility to Apple’s new Fitness Plus workout service. Apple hasn’t revealed the official launch date for its next round of software updates, but the public beta of watchOS 7.4 gives us a glimpse of all the new features we can expect to arrive on the Apple Watch in the next few weeks.
Unlock with Apple Watch
With the latest update to WatchOS 7.4 (and iOS 14.5 on the iPhone), you’ll be able to opt in to a feature on the iPhone that lets you use the Apple Watch to authenticate Face ID when your face is covered.
To activate the feature, both the Apple Watch and the iPhone need to be running the latest version of their respective softwares and must be password protected.
Toggle the feature on the iPhone under the Face ID and passcode option in the settings and make sure your Apple Watch is unlocked and on your wrist. You may be required to type in your password on the first try, but after this you should be able to swipe up to unlock the iPhone with Face ID.
