Apple today released the first beta version of the upcoming watchOS 7.4 update for public beta testers, with the new beta coming days after the launch of the first beta developer.
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The watchOS 7.4 update can be downloaded after updating your iPhone to the public beta version of iOS 14.5. After installing iOS 14.5, the watchOS 7.4 software should appear as long as you have the Apple Watch profile installed. To upgrade to the new software, the “Apple Watch” must have a battery life of 50%, must be placed on the charger, and must be within range of the “iPhone”.
In addition to iOS 14.5, watchOS 7.4 introduces a new “Unlock with Apple Watch” feature that allows an “iPhone” with Face ID to use an unlocked and authenticated Apple Watch as a secondary authentication measure when wearing a mask, mitigating the need to enter a password to unlock iPhone.
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Face ID doesn’t work when you’re wearing a mask, but this new Apple Watch feature offers an easy yet secure way to access your “iPhone” without a password problem. It’s similar to unlocking the Apple Watch on your Mac and can be enabled in the Face ID and Password Settings app.
An unlocked Apple Watch associated with Face ID can unlock iPhone when wearing a mask, but it is for mask use only. The Apple Watch cannot be used to authenticate Apple Pay or App Store purchases, nor can it be used to unlock applications that require a Face ID scan. In these situations, the mask will need to be removed or a password / password will need to be used instead.
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When the Apple Watch unlocks iPhone, you will feel a haptic pressure on your wrist and you will receive a clock notification, similar to how it works when you use the clock to unlock a Mac.
For those using Apple Fitness +, the watchOS 7.4 update combined with iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5 allows AirPlay 2 for Apple Fitness +, so workouts can be streamed to an PAirPlay 2 or set-top box TV. However, Apple Watch values do not appear on the screen when AirPlayed, but this function is limited to iPhone / iPad / Apple TV.
watchOS 7.4 will be available in beta for a few weeks, with Apple launching the update in early spring.