iOS 15.1 Beta 2 Fixes Unlock With Apple Watch Bug For iPhone 13 Users

Apple has finally addressed the “Unlock with Apple Watch” issue in the iOS 15.1 Beta 2 version for iPhone 13.

The tech giant rolled out the second beta of iOS 15.1 for developers Tuesday. The update fixed the issue encountered by iPhone 13 users while opening their devices using Apple Watch.

The iOS 15.1 Beta 2 fulfills Apple's promised solution through its support document after complaints from iPhone 13 users surfaced. Customers trying to open their devices using their Apple Watch reportedly encountered an error, MacRumors reported.

According to reports, users received an “unable to communicate with the Apple Watch” response while attempting to open iPhone 13 using the “Unlock with Apple Watch” feature. The usual process of toggling over to settings, selecting Face ID and passcode did not work as expected.

Ever since wearing facemasks became a norm due to the pandemic, Apple has been working ways out on how to unlock iPhones without the hustle of putting the masks down for unlocking using Face ID or repeatedly typing in passwords whenever opening the device.

iPhone users have resorted to alternatives such as fingerprint scanning or typing in their passwords. Another useful tool is the option to unlock the iPhone using an Apple Watch.

With the “Unlock with Apple Watch” feature, iPhone holders no longer need to remove their facemask to be recognized and unlock their phones. They also do not need to type in their password.

For newer iPhone version holders, such as iPhone 13, the options to unlock their devices have been narrowed down. Later versions of iPhones do not have fingerprint readers, The Verge reported. This means that without the “Unlock with Apple Watch” feature, iPhone 13 holders are left with putting their facemasks down for Face ID recognition or inputting their passwords every time they need to use their phones.

With the iOS 15.1 Beta 2, opening an iPhone with the “Unlock with Apple Watch” feature is done using an updated Apple Watch.

Apple still has not issued any announcement about the iOS 15.1 public launch. iPhone 13 users may still have to wait for the next updates when the “Unlock with Apple Watch” bug fix will roll out to everyone.