iOS 14.5 to allow Apple Watch owners to unlock iPhones even with face masks on

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Apple iPhone users—especially those whose unit has no other biometric security option other than Face ID—have been left to key in their passcode when they open their devices while wearing masks. While it's a more tedious problem than anything else, it is still an inconvenience. Apple has a provisional solution coming out. The new iOS 14.5 beta update will let Apple iPhone users who also have an Apple Watch quickly authenticate and unlock their phones with the wearable.

This feature is already available on the Mac, but now iPhone users will get access to the function, too. It will require that you have wrist detection enabled on your Apple Watch because you need an unlocked Apple Watch nearby, "on your wrist, unlocked, and protected by a passcode."

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iOS users can interact with Alexa via text

Amazon has just added a new feature for iOS users. Its assistant Alexa can now respond to commands via text on the platform. With this option, you can opt to text commands to Alexa instead of speaking to it. The feature is still in a "public preview," so expect to run into bugs and issues. If you do want to test it out, you can head to the Alexa app on iOS. When you tap the Alexa button in the app, it will bring up a keyboard icon that will open a chat window.

Source: Engadget

Apple will reportedly drop support for original iPhone SE, iPhone 6s series when iOS 15 launches next year

When Apple launches the next iteration of iOS in 2021, there are a few phones that the system might no longer support. According to The Verifier, Apple might drop support for the original iPhone SE, iPhone 6s, and iPhone 6s Plus when iOS 15 comes out. 

9to5Mac says the source has a mixed track record when it comes to Apple rumours. But it has accurately reported things like iPhone 5s and iPhone 6 no longer getting updates past iOS 12, and that iOS 14 would support all the same iPhones as iOS 13.

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Pinterest rolls out widget for iOS 14

Source: Pinterest

For iPhone owners who love using Pinterest, the app will be bringing you inspiration right from your home screen. The company has started rolling out its widget for iOS 14. If you want it to show your favourite board or person you follow, long-press on the widget and select the Edit Widget option. It can update the tile daily or hourly, depending on your preference.

You can only show one board per widget. But according to the company, the boards with sections will have all its content appear. And in case you haven't noticed, you can have multiple Pinterest widgets on your home screen. According to Gizmodo, Pinterest is “exploring more functionalities for the future.”