Apple Releases iOS 13.5 and iPadOS 13.5 to Public – Includes Exposure Notification API, Face ID Mask Updates, More

Apple on Wednesday released iOS 13.5 and iPadOS 13.5 to the public. The update includes the Exposure Notification API created by Apple and Google, which support COVID-19 contact tracing apps from public health authorities.

The update is available on all compatible devices over-the-air via the Settings app. To access the update, go to “Settings” -> “General” -> “Software Update.”

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

Emergency Services
– Option to automatically share health and other essential information from your Medical ID with emergency services when you place an emergency call (US only)

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

Apple has separate release notes for ‌iPadOS‌:

‌iPadOS‌ 13.5 speeds up access to the passcode field on devices with Face ID when you are wearing a face mask and introduces an option to control automatic prominence of video tiles on Group ‌FaceTime‌ calls. This update 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

‌FaceTime‌
– Option to control automatic prominence on Group ‌FaceTime‌ calls so video tiles do not change size when a participant speaks

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
– Resolves security issues, including some that could lead to unexpected memory corruption or stability issues with the Mail app