New iOS 13.5 Notifies Users If They've Been Exposed to Coronavirus-Positive Individual

By Danielle Ong First Posted: May 24, 2020 09:12 PM EDT

Apple has finally released the all-new iOS 13.5 to the general population after a period of beta testing with developers and the public. The update brings the much-awaited COVID-19 exposure notification and Face ID improvements.

The iOS 13.5 brings in new and enhanced features, patches, and fixes inspired by the coronavirus pandemic.

Security

According to the changelog, iPhone users can now unlock their devices with Face ID even while wearing a face mask. Users who swipe up from the bottom of the lock screen while wearing a face-covering will be asked to enter the phone's passcode.

The improved Face ID feature also works in authenticating purchases made through the App Store, Apple Books, Apple Pay, and iTunes. It also works in other applications that support Face ID log-ins.

COVID-19 Exposure Notification

The tech giant has partnered with Google to develop the Exposure Notification API, which will act as a powerful coronavirus contact tracing device.

iPhone users are required to enable the feature and have an application from a public health authority installed to use the contact tracing tool. The smartphone will regularly send out a beacon using Bluetooth that includes a random identifier.

The feature will download a list of other signals that belong to people who tested positive for the virus. Should the system find a match, the user will be sent a notification and advises on the next steps.

The developers consulted public health agencies to define what constitutes an exposure event and determine how often the user has had exposure events. The metadata encryption would make it more difficult to access a user's personal information.

Medical ID

IOS 13.5 has also enabled users to share their medical information with 911 operators in case of an emergency. The improved feature will allow users to share any information saved in their Medical ID automatically.

Medical ID is a feature found inside Apple's Health app. It keeps personal information such as blood type, pre-existing medical conditions, allergies, and emergency contacts.

The new functionality uses your location to determine whether you are covered by the Enhanced Emergency Data services when you dial 911. Apple device owners within the covered area will have their Medical ID information shared automatically. The feature aims to make it easier for users to get help in a situation where they might not be able to talk to a 911 operator.

Users can also enable an option where your iPhone will display your Medical ID on the lock screen in case of an emergency.

Patches and Bug Fixes

The newly-rolled out upgrade includes patches to address an issue where attackers can modify and delete email messages on a user's Apple's Mail. It also fixed the problem where users see a black screen when playing videos from some websites.

The iOS 13.5 update is compatible with: