Recently, iOS 15.3 has appeared as a collection of some security updates, but Apple immediately does with iOS 15.4 and this should bring some new features again. Two sting than very special because it is features that make life easier in the pandemic a tale.
Currently there are iOS 15.4 only as a beta version for developers. This means that even interested users can not just try this pre-release version for free. This changes when Apple presents a public beta. For most users, however, it is the better strategy to wait for the final version.
Cell phone unlock with mask: New version of Face ID
Mobile phone unlock despite mask, but you can work with tricks or go the detour via an Apple Watch. In iOS 15.4, Apple starts with an additional version of Face ID. Users can choose between two variants when set up:
* Standard: This type of face recognition know iPhone users for a long time, because it is the version used so far, which works only without a mask, because all facial features are used, especially around mouth and nose.
* with mask: The second version of Face ID is new because it allows wearing a mask. So far it was so that Face ID has recognized a facial mask and then query the PIN code. Apple points out that the new variant is less safe because only the eye area is used for authentication. An additional option allows you to capture the face with and without glasses.
So if you want to open the COVPASS app with the iPhone in the future, this can make this faster despite the mask when the new variant of Face ID has been set up. Of course, this is also practical for other apps that you have to ran with mask on the face and maybe even make an extra face ID check, such as password manager or banking apps. Unfortunately, it seems that the new version of Face ID only works from the iPhone 12 or later.
Certificate soon easy in Wallet
It is already possible today to get the certificate in Apple Wallet. Then it is enough to open the wallet by double-touching the wallet and you need to call Covpass or the Corona warning app no longer explicitly. But until today you have to disrupt something. With iOS 15.4 it should be easier.
Apple writes in the Release Notes that the EU’s digital COVID certificate can now be added to Apple Wallet and also to the Health App. That would clear the way to bring the certificate into the wallet, for example, from Covpass with a finger tip. So far you can make this with the alternative GreenPass EU.