Angela Lang / CNET
THE Apple Watch will soon unlock your Iphone less hassle when wearing a mask. It will also bring AirPlay 2 compatibility to Apple’s new Fitness Plus exercise service. Apple has not revealed the official release date for its next round of software updates, but the public beta of WatchOS 7.4 gives us an idea of all the new features that we can expect to come to Apple Watch in the coming weeks.
Unlock with Apple Watch
With the latest update for WatchOS 7.4 (and iOS 14.5 on the iPhone), you can choose an iPhone feature that allows use Apple Watch to authenticate Face ID when your face is covered.
To activate the feature, Apple Watch and iPhone must be running the latest version of their respective software and must be password protected.
Switch the feature on the iPhone under the Facial ID and password in the settings and make sure your Apple Watch is unlocked and on your wrist. You may need to enter your password on the first attempt, but after that, you can swipe up to unlock the iPhone with facial ID.
The watch will give you an alert and tactile feedback to inform you that your iPhone has been unlocked.
See this:
What’s new in iOS 14.5?
5:18
Cast Fitness Plus on Airplay 2 devices
Fitness Plus offers two types of exercise recommendations: either more than you like or something new to balance your routine.
Vanessa Hand Orellana / CNET
If you have an Apple Watch and are experiencing Apple’s new Fitness Plus service, you will now have more ways to exercise. You can now stream the Apple Watch training service on any device or TV with AirPlay 2. At launch, the service was only available for viewing on an iPhone, iPad or a newer version of Apple TV.
You will still need to select a workout in the Fitness Plus app on your iPhone or iPad. Then, press the broadcast icon in the lower right corner of the screen or select Screen mirroring in the quick settings section to cast to a device.
The Apple Watch will have many of the same features found at iOS 14.5, including the 217 new emoji and the option to change your default music. Apple also released updates for iPadOS and TVOS.