Mask-wearing iPhone users will soon be able to unlock phone using an Apple Watch

Since 2017 and the introduction of the iPhone 10, Apple has used Face ID facial recognition technology as a secure way to unlock the iPhone.

The Apple Watch will need to be close to the iPhone. Picture: Jonathan Brady/PA

A new feature is coming to the iPhone which will allow people wearing a mask to quickly unlock their phone with facial recognition by using their Apple Watch instead.

Rather than remove a mask to use Apple’s Face ID security feature, the new tool will use Face ID as normal while also sending a notification to a user’s Apple Watch confirming the unlock and giving them the option to lock the device again.