New WatchOS 7.4 Features You’ll Want to Try

The next Apple Watch update brings two game-changing features to your favorite smartwatch! Besides allowing you to cast your workouts on more screens, WatchOS 7.4 makes it possible for you to unlock your iPhone with FaceID even while you’re wearing a face mask! Let’s dive in and explore the best new Apple Watch features you’ll want to try!

Casting Fitness Plus on Airplay 2 Devices

If you’re like most Apple Watch users, you’re probably excited to discover more ways to work out through Apple’s new Fitness Plus service. This used to be exclusively available to view on iPhones, iPads, or the new version of the Apple TV. Since the WatchOS 7.4 update brings Airplay 2 compatibility to it, casting the Apple Watch workout service on any type of device or TV is now made possible.

However, you’ll still have to use your iPhone or iPad for selecting a workout in the Fitness Plus app. To cast to your device of choice, you can either select screen mirroring found in the quick settings section or press the casting icon located in the lower right-hand corner of your screen.

The same features you can find in iOS 14.5 will be available on the Apple Watch. Aside from the option to change your default music, these also include the 217 new emojis. Additionally, updates for iPadOS and TVOS were released as well.

Unlocking With Apple Watch

Running WatchOS 7.4 and iOS 14.5 on your iPhone allows you to opt in to a feature on your device that makes it possible for you to authenticate Face ID with your face mask on via your Apple Watch. However, this feature can only be activated if your Apple Watch and iPhone are running the latest version of their software and if they’re password-protected.

You may toggle this exciting new feature on your iPhone under the Face ID and passcode option found in the settings. While you’re at it, make sure that you unlock your Apple Watch on your wrist. After typing in your password on your first try, you should be able to unlock the iPhone with Face ID by swiping up. You’ll know your iPhone has been unlocked once you get an alert and haptic feedback from your Apple Watch.