iOS 13.5 is now available with COVID-19 related updates

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Apple has released iOS 13.5/iPadOS 13.5 final build for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. The update includes the new Exposure Notifications API, faster Face ID unlock when wearing a mask, new setting for FaceTime video tiles, security fixes and more.

iOS 13.5 for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch

Apple had been testing iOS 13.5 for sometime now. The update was released as a beta just as Apple and Google announced their collaboration for the COVID-19 Exposure Notifications API. This is the first iOS update that will ship with the exposure notifications API.

iOS 13.5

What’s new in iOS 13.5?

Some of the new features in this update include the aforementioned Exposure Notifications API, faster Face ID/passcode unlock when using a mask, ability to disable automatic video tiles resizing during FaceTime group calls, and the ability to automatically share Medical ID and health data with emergency responders.

For more details on what’s new in iOS 13.5, check out our previous coverage on the new features:

To download the new iOS 13.5 software update, go to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. If you have automatic updates enabled, the update should download and install automatically if you keep your device plugged into a charger overnight.

iOS 13.5 and iPadOS 13.5 Release notes

Here are the official release notes from Apple:

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

Details for security fixes in this update can be found here.

Download iOS 13.5 IPSW

If you need to download iOS 13.5 and iPadOS 13.5 IPSW files, here are the direct download links from Apple’s servers:

iOS 13.5

iPadOS 13.5

About the Author

Addicted to social media and in love with iPhone, started blogging as a hobby. And now it's my passion for every day is a new learning experience. Hopefully, manufacturers will continue to use innovative solutions and we will keep on letting you know about them.