Official iOS 13.5: COVID-19 exposure detection, easier to unlock iPhone when wearing a mask

After a period of testing, Apple today has officially launched the iOS 13.5 update for end users. iOS 13.5 is considered to be an exclusive update for COVID-19, bringing many features to support users during the epidemic.

Exposure detection COVID-19

This is the result of a partnership between Apple and Google, allowing smartphones running iOS and Android to communicate with each other via bluetooth. If a person (temporarily called A) is found to be positive for COVID-19, all those who have been exposed to A for a period of 14 days will receive a notice that they may have been exposed.

Apple and Google will provide APIs for governments and health agencies to develop contact tracking applications. To avoid abuse of privacy, only government-developed applications are authorized to access the user's contact history. In addition, if users do not want to participate in contact tracking program, they can completely turn off that feature.

Unlocking iPhone is easier when wearing a mask

Face ID technology is creating a lot of annoyance for users during this COVID-19 epidemic season, when they can not unlock their iPhone when wearing a mask. Most users have to enter a password manually every time they want to use their iPhone.

On iOS 13.5, Apple made some changes to make this process easier. Users will still not be able to unlock using Face ID when wearing a mask, however, the passcode table (Passcode) will appear faster, thereby saving more time.

Group FaceTime interface less "eye strain" more

With the barriers created by social isolation, many people are using FaceTime as a tool to meet others. Since iOS 12, Apple has added a group FaceTime feature, allowing users to have group conversations with up to 32 people. 

However, what some users complain about the group FaceTime feature is its "dizzy" interface. When someone is talking, the frame around him will be made larger than the others, creating a "chaotic" scene when too many people speak at the same time.

Therefore, on iOS 13.5, Apple has added an option to help keep the video frames of FaceTime group participants at a fixed level. Users can adjust this option by going to Settings> FaceTime> Turn off "Talking" in the "Highlights" section.

Share songs on Apple Music on Instagram's Story

The new feature of Apple Music on iOS 13.5 allows users to quickly share the song they are listening to the story of Instagram.

Fix some other errors

The iOS 13.5 update also fixes some bugs, such as:

- Fix an error when users only see a black screen when watching videos online.

- Fix error of sharing panel not appearing.

- Fix security and stability of mail application on iPadOS.

Users of iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices can go to Settings> General Settings> Software updates to download and install iOS 13.5.