The 4 hour rule sounds VERY annoying. It means for example I'll be forced to type my passcode after waking up. So many years of Touch ID will make such a burden UNBEARABLE.
> You’ll also get a passcode request if you haven’t unlocked the phone using a passcode or at all in 6.5 days and if Face ID hasn’t unlocked it in 4 hours.
You already need a password if you haven't used TouchID in 48 hours.
This rule seems to exist to make sure you have to enter your password after about a week if by then you go over 4 hours without using FaceID.
You don't need to use a password any time you go more than 4 hours. I agree that would be insane and would be much stricter than what they apply to TouchID (which they say is less secure).
EDIT: I notice the GP's comment seems to have been edited since the time you posted yours.
Sorry.
Assuming that Apple engineers aren't stupid, the correct interpretation is "we want people to enter their passwords at least once a week so they don't forget them, but we also don't want to bother them if they're in the middle of something". So yes, once a week, you will be forced to type your password upon waking up.