When a scrappy startup needs to solve a problem, it creates a clever, low-budget solution.
When a worldwide megacorp has the same problem, it throws money at it.
It takes what is already there, and MacGyvers it to do something else.
Apple
Yes, we just used “MacGyver” as a verb.
This is the kind of hack Apple usually seems to have trouble with.
Maybe Watch Unlock is a return to form.
It then checks to see if your Apple Watch is nearby (and also unlocked).
If everything checks out, it unlocks your iPhone, and simultaneously sends a haptic bump to your wrist.
The Watch displays a warning notification, with a button to re-lock the phone immediately.
If you lock it like this, the phone then will require your full passcode, no matter what.
But in practice, its not so easy.
Game Changer
In use, Watch Unlock totally changes how I use the iPhone when outside.
Before Watch Unlock, Id take my daily walk with my phone in my pocket the entire time.
Now, when I take a walk, I can pull out the phone and use it normally.
The unlock is slightly slower than regular Face ID, but not by much.
The iPhone 12s Face ID is excellent, the fastest yet, in my experience.
In speed terms, Watch Unlock is similar to the iPhone XSs Face ID.
In short, its plenty fast enough.
Watch Unlock only unlocks the iPhone, so you cant use it to authenticate Apple Pay, for example.
Problem Solving
Watch Unlock really is excellent.
Its fast, reliable, and it Just WorksTM.
Its Apple at its best.
But my favorite part isnt the feature, itself.
Yes, you need a watch, but you always could pick one up for cheap.
In use, Watch Unlock totally changes how I use the iPhone when outside.
Either way, Watch Unlock is a total win, and I love it.
