iPhone fans have had a challenging month. Now, just 24 hours after things started to look up Apple has confirmed a new problem which affects millions of iPhone owners.
Apple has confirmed its new iOS 14.7 iPhone update breaks Apple Watch unlocking
Apple
In a new support document Apple has quietly confirmed widespread reports that its latest iOS 14.7 update can break the ability of iPhones to unlock an Apple Watch. Moreover, for enterprise users the fix is extreme.
“When you have Unlock with iPhone turned on, unlocking your iPhone unlocks your Apple Watch as long as you’re wearing it. An issue in iOS 14.7 affects the ability of iPhone models with Touch ID to unlock Apple Watch,” confirms Apple in the support document.
For regular consumers, Apple states that you will have to revert to typing the passcode on your Apple Watch every time you put it on. ”If you forgot your passcode, you need to reset your Apple Watch,” Apple warns. But the bigger impact is for enterprise users with Apple confirming that users will have to unpair, erase and set up their Apple Watches again.
Apple Watch unlocking via iPhone has been broken by iOS 14.7
Apple
Apple states that “this issue will be addressed in an upcoming software update,” but has not put a timescale on the fix. I suspect a high priority iOS 14.7.1 update will now launch within the next 1-2 weeks.
Interestingly, this problem with Touch ID comes just days after leaks revealed Apple has scrapped plans to reintroduce fingerprint unlocking on the iPhone 13, a disappointing development for those who still prefer it over Face ID — especially after a series of expected new iPhone upgrades were recently dismissed.
That said, for those iPhone owners considering an update this year, the iPhone 13 range still has a lot to get excited about. But fewer software bugs with the next generation iPhones would also be just as welcome to many Apple fans.
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