Apple officially released the iOS 13.5 update today. This version does not contain significant new features, but it will change some of the old features, making them better in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The main change in the new version is the notification system to track the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Apple and Google have worked together to make the system available on both iPhone and Android. These APIs will not be available to external developers, they can only be used by trusted medical institutions in the country. Apple has already announced that the new system does not threaten your privacy in any way, as it will use random API keys. In addition, the system contains several security features. In iOS 13.5, only APIs appeared, so now medical organizations in different countries can launch their applications for them. This will start to happen next week.
The technology can help health officials quickly tell someone they may have been exposed to COVID-19. Today, the Exposure Notification API we created with @Google is available to help public health agencies make their COVID-19 applications effective while protecting user privacy.
– Tim Cook (@tim_cook) May 20, 2020
Other iOS 13.5 changes include the new Face ID feature, which recognizes a medical mask and goes straight to entering your password. Additionally, medical history information can now be shared automatically during emergency calls. We will discuss all of this in more detail below.
Along with iOS 13.5, Apple also released tvOS 13.4.5 with HomePod 13.4.5. The final version of watchOS 6.2.5 was released earlier this week.
The updates should already be available to you. To update manually, go to Settings> General> Software update…
What’s new in iOS 13.5 and iPadOS 13.5?
Notification system on COVID-19-19
To prevent the spread of the coronavirus, a new notification system will be used. Google and Apple have developed an exposure notification system that allows healthcare providers to develop their applications to track the spread of the virus. You can enable the notification system through the “Health” section in Settings. This can be done after installing the application using the system.
The system is not available in Russia.
Automatic sending of medical card data
If you have a full medical card on your iPhone, you can now share information automatically during emergency calls. This will help healthcare providers understand you better and help you faster. This feature does not work in all countries. It is not available in Russia. Also, it is linked to fall detection on Apple Watch Series 4 and Series 5.
Jump Expensive ID and go to the password
Face ID does not work with medical masks and now many of us use them. This means that it is quite difficult to unlock a masked iPhone. Fortunately, Apple has found a way out.
In iOS 13.5, the iPhone will immediately understand that you are wearing a mask and will go to the password screen without Face ID authentication. The function will greatly facilitate the lives of many in modern conditions. It will also work for App Store, Apple Books, Apple Pay, iTunes, etc. authentication.
Disable window magnification for group video calls Facetime
Due to the pandemic, the popularity of video calling, including the FaceTime service, has increased. To make the service more convenient, Apple added the ability to turn off auto-magnification of windows with speakers.
According to the update’s postscript, iOS 13.5 contains the following bug fixes and improvements:
– Fixed an issue that could cause users to see a black screen when trying to play videos on some sites.
– Fixed an issue with the Share menu where recommendations and actions might not be displayed.
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