Apple releases iOS 13.5 to the public: Here are all the new features

[rajoee]

Apple's latest iOS 13.5 has started rolling out to users. Here are the most interesting changes that it brings with itself.



HIGHLIGHTS

. iOS 13.5 gets faster unlocking while wearing a mask

. Apple has also added support for the Exposure Notification API

. The new software also brings security updates

Apple has finally released iOS 13.5 to the public. The update brings a number of new features, some of which are understandably there to help users during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the new features, the most interesting are the Exposure Notification API and enhancements to Face ID.

Faster unlocking while wearing masks

With the latter, iOS 13.5 promises to make it easier to unlock an iPhone while wearing a mask. The update allows the process to become faster if the user is detected to be wearing a face mask. In such cases, the passcode interface is displayed more quickly, thereby making it quicker to get into an iPhone using a passcode than before.

For most users who find themselves wearing a face mask when they step out, this sure will prove to be an important update -- especially those involved in the healthcare sector. However, it's important to note that this update has only been extended to certain iPhones on which Face ID is available.

Exposure Notification API

Apart from this, the other big update coming to iOS 13.5 is the Exposure Notification API which has been created in partnership between Apple and Google. The API is designed to allow public health authorities to better handle contact tracing apps for COVID-19.

With the API working in the background, the device will send out a beacon via Bluetooth for the Exposure Notification API to download a list of the keys for verified beacons belonging to people confirmed with COVID-19 and check against that list.



Tweaks to Group Facetime

Apple has also tweaked Group FaceTime, which now brings a new toggle to disable feature that automatically enlarges the tile of the person who is speaking. Earlier, the Group FaceTime brought a dynamic vew where the person speaking automatically had a bigger tile than the other speakers. The feature can be toggled from a new "Automatic Prominence" section in the FaceTime part of the Settings app.

Security fixes and more

The update also patches two security issues, including one that affected the Mail app on the iPhone and the iPad. The vulnerability now patched had previously allowed attackers to remotely hack an iOS device by sending emails that consume a significant amount of memory.

It also fixes an issue where users may see a black screen when trying to play streaming video from some websites and addresses an issue in the share sheet where suggestions and actions may not load.

Source: IndiaToday.in

[Sudhakar]

Dear Rajoe,

Amazing update of apple iOS 13.5 public.

Noticed it on my iPhone, will update and get back to you with the features.

Face ID with face mask is awesome update.

I have heard even about the iMessage group chat which shows more typing guessers of the entire team.

Let me update and check the same, thank you.

[Sudhakar]

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.

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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

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Exposure Notification

Exposure Notification API to support COVID-19 contact tracing apps from public health authorities

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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.

Fixes an issue where users may see a black screen when trying to play streaming video from some websites
Addresses an issue in the share sheet where suggestions and actions may not load

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Some features may not be available in all regions or on all Apple devices. For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222