watchOS 7.4 arrives next week: Top Apple Watch upgrades to expect

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The Apple Watch is getting a software update you won't want to skip. Based on the latest watchOS 7.4 public beta, new features are coming soon that brand every model from the Apple Lookout man Series 3 to Apple Sentry Serial half dozen more than useful.

With watchOS 7.4, you'll be able to use your Apple Sentinel to authenticate Face ID on your iPhone when you're wearing a face up mask. The opt-in feature works similarly to the existing Apple Picket hallmark for certain Mac computers.

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While I'thou nevertheless waiting for an iPhone with an in-screen fingerprint scanner — iPhone 13? — allowing my Apple Scout to verify my identity should come in handy in a time when most people are still wearing face coverings.

This tool is especially helpful for faster contactless checkouts with Apple Pay. Im sure I'chiliad not the merely one who's tired of bumbling to 'Pay with Passcode' instead in line at the grocery store.

For unlock with Apple Watch to piece of work, your Apple Watch and your companion iPhone need to be running the latest software versions. Both devices must exist countersign protected, which is a requirement for Apple Pay functionality on either device individually, as well.

Within the FaceID and passcode settings on your iPhone, toggle on the unlock with Apple Lookout man option while your Apple Sentry is unlocked. Your iPhone might ask yous for your passcode to confirm, merely from then on out you should be able to swipe up to unlock with Apple Watch.

When your Apple tree Watch is used to unlock your iPhone, you lot'll become a notification and feel haptic feedback on your wrist.

In add-on to unlock with Apple Watch, watchOS seven.4 brings back up an update to Apple tree Fitness Plus that lets you cast your workout sessions to an AirPlay-equipped device. That means you can follow forth with classes, even without Apple Television. Yous still demand to start the conditioning from your iPhone or iPad, though.

Lastly, Apple tree Watch users who update to watchOS 7.4 tin await to see more emojis, the option to change their default music services and few more software enhancements found in iOS 14.5.

Kate Kozuch is a senior writer at Tom's Guide covering wearables, TVs and everything smart-home related. When she'south not in cyborg way, you can discover her on an practise bike or channeling her inner glory chef. She and her robot army volition rule the world one day, but until then, reach her at kate.kozuch@futurenet.com.