# Mask-Recognizing Phone Updates Apple's IOS 14.5 Update Offers Mask-Friendly Face Recognition By Ell Smith | Published 2021-02-02 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apples-ios-145 References: [hypebae](https://hypebae.com/2021/2/apple-ios-14-5-face-id-unlock-recognition-with-mask-on-watch-how-to-update-info) & [support.apple](https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204204#:~:text=To%20turn%20on%20automatic%20updates) Apple's iOS 14.5 update offers mask-friendly face recognition, meaning consumers can now unlock their phones using facial ID, even while wearing a mask. The interesting innovation speaks to the creative ways tech companies are adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic, while highlighting the permanence of the changes caused from the virus. In explaining the new updates, a report stated “[iPhone](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiktok-passkey) can use your [Apple Watch](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-digital-id) to unlock when Face ID detects a face with a mask. Your Apple Watch must be nearby, on your wrist, unlocked and protected by a passcode.” Essentially, this means that [iPhones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eyetracking-features) are now able to recognize a face, even when the bottom half is covered. A beta release for this update has been rolled out, with a global launch expected to follow in the upcoming months. Image Credit: Sean Gallup, Getty Images ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.1/10 - Popularity: 15% | Activity: 38% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Mask-friendly Face Recognition:** There is an opportunity for tech companies to develop innovative face recognition software that can identify masked faces without the need for another device. - **Adaptive Technology for COVID-19:** There is a need for adaptive technology that can address the challenges presented by COVID-19 and the changes in consumer behavior. - **Wearable Technology Integration:** Tech companies can explore the integration of wearable technology, such as watches, to create new solutions for unlocking devices and other applications. ### Where This Applies - **Smartphone Industry:** The smartphone industry can integrate this technology into new phone models, creating a competitive advantage for their devices in the market. - **Health and Safety Industry:** The health and safety industry can explore the use of mask recognition technology in creating safer environments for individuals, such as hospitals and public spaces. - **Wearable Technology Industry:** The wearable technology industry can explore the integration of more advanced sensors and capabilities, such as those found in watches, to create new solutions for consumers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Secure TikTok Updates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiktok-passkey.md) - [Digitized Government ID Launches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-wallet-id.md) - [Eye-Tracking Technology Functions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eyetracking-features.md) - [Mobile Anti-Stalking Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-airtags.md) - [Customizable Smartphone Operating Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ios-16.md) - [Facial Recognition Smart Locks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lockly-visage.md) - [Smartphone Passport ID Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-digital-id.md) - [Payment Terminal-Enabled Mobile Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mobile-payment-terminal.md) - [Safety-Focused Smartphone Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iphone-14.md)