Yesterday, Apple released iOS 13.5 and iPadOS 13.5 with support for the Exposure Notification API as well as other improvements. iOS 13.5 has been in beta for a while and brings features and improvements to help users deal with the coronavirus issues a bit better.
Exposure Notification API
iOS 13.5 brings support for the Exposure Notification API which has been co-developed between Apple and Google and this will apps better access to system resources for contact tracing apps.
iOS 13.5 speeds up access to the passcode field on devices with Face ID when you are wearing a face mask and introduces the Exposure Notification API to support COVID-19 contact tracing apps from public health authorities. This update also introduces an option to control automatic prominence of video tiles on Group FaceTime calls and includes bug fixes and other improvements.
Face ID
Apple has also made unlocking a phone with Face ID while wearing a mask a lot easier, the password option will be displayed more quickly as before iOS 13.5 and iPadOS 13.5, unlocking a device with a mask can be difficult.
FaceTime
With more and more users using FaceTime and especially Group FaceTime, Apple has identified a few issues which users have brought up. In a Group FaceTime call currently, the bubble for the person speaking would change size and location and this can quite distracting and sometimes cause motion sickness for some people. iOS 13.5 and iPadOS 13.5 now adds the option to disable the automatic tile size adjustments.
The new setting is under Settings > FaceTime and under the option “Automatic Prominence.”
Apple Music
Apple has also added a new sharing feature for sharing songs directly to Instagram Stories from the Share Sheet. This is something Spotify has had support for a while now. The sharing function will give information on he song title, artist and the cover art.
Release Notes
iOS 13.5 speeds up access to the passcode field on devices with Face ID when you are wearing a face mask and introduces the Exposure Notification API to support COVID-19 contact tracing apps from public health authorities. This update also introduces an option to control automatic prominence of video tiles on Group FaceTime calls and includes bug fixes and other improvements.
Face ID and Passcode
- Simplified unlock process for devices with Face ID when you are wearing a face mask
- Passcode field automatically presented after swiping up from the bottom of the Lock screen when you are wearing a face mask
- Also works when authenticating with the App Store, Apple Books, Apple Pay, iTunes and other apps that support signing in with Face ID
- Exposure Notification
- Exposure Notification API to support COVID-19 contact tracing apps from public health authorities
- FaceTime
- Option to control automatic prominence on Group FaceTime calls so video tiles do not change size when a participant speaks
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This update also includes bug fixes and other improvements.
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Fixes an issue where users may see a black screen when trying to play streaming video from some websites
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Addresses an issue in the share sheet where suggestions and actions may not load
