Apple plans Face ID workaround for users wearing masks

With masks becoming a commonplace tool to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus, some iPhone owners are finding their once-useful Face ID function mostly useless.

Apple (AAPL) is changing that. In the latest beta release of iOS 13.5, multiple developers said a new Face ID feature makes it easier to unlock the iPhone without having to take off a mask. In the latest version of iOS, Face ID will recognize when someone is wearing a mask, and the iPhone will pull up the passcode entry screen after swiping up from the bottom of the screen – no more constant searching for your face. The Face ID tool still won’t unlock your iPhone unless you take off your mask, but it will make the switch to the passcode-unlock option significantly faster. 

It’s unclear when the fix will be rolled out, but it could be within weeks if other iOS updates are a clue. Apple didn’t immediately return a request for comment.