The feature will be introduced with the next software update, but will only be available for iPhone 12 and 13.

With the pandemic that continues, in spite of us, to reign supreme, and the need to wear the mask again, Apple has decided to give the possibility to unlock iPhones even with mouth and nose covered by individual protection. This is a novelty that many were waiting for, identified in the beta version of iOS 15.4 by the MacRumors site, which published a screenshot of the new function on Twitter.

IPhone unlock with faceplate
Apple was already working on this new option, the launch of which had been delayed in hopes of a general improvement in the global pandemic situation. The Cupertino giant had already worked on updates to meet the new needs of users outside the home. iOS 13.5 had begun, in fact, to detect the presence of the protection, asking more quickly for the passcode instead of trying to unlock the screen via Face ID facial recognition. With iOS 14.5, on the other hand, unlocking the phone via a worn and paired Apple Watch was introduced.

As we read in the shared screen, Apple specifies that the authentication of the user wearing the mask is less precise than the traditional one, and uses distinctive signs around the eyes to allow login. Although iOS 15.4 has been available since the iPhone 6S, it seems that the functionality is an exclusive of the most recent models, iPhone 12 and 13, that is those of the last two years, according to the tests of those who have tried the beta version, the release of which should not delay in arriving.