Apple launches first watchOS 7.4 public beta with iPhone unlock feature

Apple today unveiled the first beta of an upcoming watchOS 7.4 update for public beta testers, with the new beta appearing a few days after the release of the first beta developer.

The atchwatchOS 7atch.4 update can be downloaded after upgrading your iPhone to the public beta version of iOS 14.5. After iOS 14.5 is installed, the watchOS 7.4 software should appear once you have installed the Apple Watch profile. To update the new software, the Apple Watch must have 50% battery life, it must be placed on the charger and it must be within range of the rangeiPhone‌‌‌‌‌‌‌.

In addition to iOS 14.5, watchOS 7.4 introduces a new “Unlock with Apple Watch” feature that allows a IDiPhone‌ with Face ID to use an unlocked and verified Apple Watch as a secondary authentication measure when wearing a mask, which eliminates the need to enter a passcode is relieved. to unlock the ‌iPhone‌.

Face ID does not work if you are wearing a mask, but this new Apple Watch feature provides an easy yet secure way to access the ‌iPhone‌ without the hassle of a password. This is similar to the Apple Watch unlock on Mac and can be activated in the Settings app under Face ID and password.

An unlocked Apple Watch paired with Face ID can unlock the ‘iPhone’ when wearing a mask, but this is for mask use only. The Apple Watch cannot be used to verify Apple Pay or App Store purchases, nor to unlock apps that require a Face ID scan. In these situations, the mask must be removed, or a password / password must be used.

When the Apple Watch unlocks the ‌iPhone‌, you feel a haptic tap on the wrist and receive a notification on the watch, similar to how it works when you use the watch to unlock a Mac.

For those using Apple Fitness +, the watchOS 7.4 update in combination with iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5 enables AirPlay 2 for Apple Fitness +, allowing workouts to be streamed to an AirPlay‌ 2-enabled TV or set-top box. However, Apple Watch statistics do not appear on the screen when AirPlayed, and the feature is limited to ‌iPhone‌ / iPad / Apple TV.

watchOS 7.4 will be available in beta capacity in a few weeks, and Apple plans to launch the update in early spring.