iOS 18.2 Enables iPhone Users to Authenticate New Computers Using Face ID

iOS 18.2 introduces a variety of new features, and additional enhancements were included in the second beta released this week. While many updates focus on Apple Intelligence, there are also several noteworthy modifications. A significant addition is the ability to trust a new computer using Face ID on the iPhone and iPad.

Apple simplifies trusting new computers on iOS

As highlighted by Aaron Perris on X, the latest iOS 18.2 beta now allows users to authorize a new computer via Face ID upon connecting their iPhone or iPad to an unfamiliar machine. Previously, this required the user to enter the device’s passcode.

The “Trust This Computer” prompt was introduced by Apple in 2013 with iOS 7 to enhance security against unauthorized access to device data over USB without the user’s passcode. Since the introduction of iOS 16, this alert also triggers when the device connects to recognized computers if local automatic backup is enabled.

Users have the option to reset their trusted computer configurations by navigating to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset, and then selecting the Reset Location & Privacy option.

Additional information about iOS 18.2

Apple began testing iOS 18.2 even before releasing iOS 18.1 to the public. This update is substantial, offering numerous new features linked to Apple Intelligence, such as Genmoji, Image Playground, ChatGPT integration, and Visual Intelligence for the iPhone 16 models. The update also facilitates better management of default apps and extends Apple Intelligence to more regions.

Apple has announced that iOS 18.2 will be made available to the public in December. Currently, a beta version is accessible only to developers.