The new Apple's iOS 13.5 update makes life easier while wearing a face mask, according to TechRadar.
Developers have been provided with the golden master version of iOS 13.5, which is the last update Apple issues before it releases its software updates to the public. This follows a beta testing period before its launch perhaps later this week.
According to the release notes published by 9to5Mac, the most distinct feature of iOS 13.5 features is an easier unlocking process for Face ID while wearing a face mask. The passcode field will be provided immediately after swiping up from the bottom when wearing a face mask.
This is great news for those who own an iPhone without a home button like the iPhone 11 and iPhone X. The Face-mask detection feature will be useful when unlocking the phone or authenticating for the App Store, Apple Books, Apple Pay, or iTunes.
Currently, iPhone users struggle to unlock their phones while wearing a mask. They wait for the Face ID menu to fail twice before they can enter a passcode.
Covid-19 contact tracing apps support
Governments and health experts regard the use of contact tracing apps as a significant measure to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus and an indicator for the reopening of countries. Aside from government-owned contact tracing apps, Apple and Google have teamed up to add this functionality into their smartphone operating systems.
Among the new features of iOS 13.5 is the "Exposure Notification API" that supports official public health COVID-19 contact tracing apps. However, those apps are still not available, although the framework is already ready.
The Exposure Notification API uses Bluetooth Low Energy and records whether the user was in contact with someone who later tested COVID-19 positive within 14 days. It also anonymously logs into a database.
These contract tracing apps will be the most significant input from technology as we head back into normalcy while iOS 13.5 is the first step to make it possible. However, making phone unlocking easier is the main reason to download this iOS update.
Other update features
Aside from the changes with FaceID and contract tracing app, iOS 13.5 also got some other useful features.
First, the automatic face zooming can be turned off during Group FaceTime call. This means the video tiles no longer change size when a participant speaks.
Despite the Zoom's popularity for business video calling, casual conversations are usually happening over social media apps like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and Apple's FaceTime.
Apple's Group FaceTime was launched in iOS 12.1 and it supports encrypted video calls with up to 32 people. By default, Group FaceTime lays out square tiles for each call participant.
The update also fixes some bugs, particularly for video streaming where a black screen shows when playing videos from some websites. It also addresses the suggestions and actions in the share sheet that may not load.
Moreover, the update allows US residents to automatically share health and other important data from their Medical ID with emergency services when making an emergency call.
