Apple’s Universal Control and Face ID with a mask are almost here

Apple seeded to developers the release candidates of macOS Monterey 12.3 and iPadOS 15.4 on Tuesday. That’s the final step before introducing them to the public, which will finally give Mac and iPad users access to the long-delayed Universal Control.

The iOS 15.4 Release Candidate also went to developers, so iPhone users will soon be able to unlock their iPhone with Face ID while wearing a mask. Plus, the watchOS 8.5 RC and tvOS 15.4 RC were seeded as well.

What to expect in macOS Monterey 12.3

Release candidates are what Apple used to call golden masters, and give beta testers an opportunity to test the final version of operating systems before they’re introduced to average users.

For the macOS Monterey 12.3 RC, the signature feature being tested is Universal Control. This enables a single keyboard and mouse to control both a Mac and an iPad, allowing users to easily jump between them. Don’t miss the Cult of Mac preliminary review of Universal Control.

Naturally, the feature requires iPadOS 15.4 as well.

It’s quite likely the just-announced Mac Studio will debut running macOS Monterey 12.3. Just as the new iPad Air 5 will probably require iPadOS 15.4.

Lots of new features in iOS 15.4

iPhone users will also get new features with iOS 15.4 goes beyond the release candidate stage. The most notable of these is the option to unlock an iPhone with Face ID while wearing a mask — no Apple Watch necessary.

In addition, there’s a fresh crop of emoji. And the update will eliminate a bug that prevents third-party apps from using iPhone 13 Pro’s super-smooth ProMotion feature.

The third-generation iPhone SE unveiled Tuesday will likely launch running iOS 15.4.

Still only for devs

As of Tuesday, the macOS 12.3, iPadOS 15.4 and iOS 15.4 release candidates are available only for devs who pay to be in Apple’s developer program. The same is true for watchOS 8.5 RC and tvOS 15.4 RC. That said, those in Apple’s free public beta program should get access soon.

The full release will surely come by next week, before the premiere of the Mac Studio, iPad Air 5 and iPhone SE 3.