iOS 13.5 is out now with Covid-19 contact-tracing API, tweaks to Face ID unlock and Group...

[Humza]

Bottom line: The first iteration of Apple's contact tracing API co-developed with Google has now been officially released to the public as part of iOS 13.5. The update also enables easier Face ID unlocking for users wearing a mask and contains minor tweaks for FaceTime Group calls, Emergency Services, and bug fixes.

Apple had been beta testing coronavirus-related features for iPhones over the past few weeks, with the official iOS 13.5 update now hitting compatible models globally.

The main highlights of this update are pretty much the same as reported in the aforementioned beta, bringing with it Apple and Google's jointly-developed exposure notification system for assisting public health authorities in contact-tracing for users who've tested positive for Covid-19 and helping governments shape preventive strategies for the pandemic.

It's optional for users to enable/disable these notifications that are activated once an associated app has been installed. Google and Apple are also looking forward to baking this feature within their operating systems to natively notify users about potential Covid-19 exposure.

For users wearing a face mask, Face ID will now unlock faster by automatically presenting the passcode input option after a swipe up from the bottom of the screen. This functionality is replicated across other areas such as the App Store, Apple Pay, iTunes, and third-party apps that make use of Face ID.

Apple has also added an option to control automatic prominence on Group FaceTime calls to stop video tiles sizes from changing when a participant speaks, and now supports sharing medical info with emergency services for US residents when they make an emergency call.

Face ID and FaceTime-related updates, along with fixes to streaming video and share sheet have been carried over to the iPad, with additional security and stability fixes for the Mail app in iPadOS 13.5.

tvOS and HomePod jump to version 13.4.5, while older iPhones/iPads/iPods not supported by iOS 13 receive important security updates with the iOS 12.4.7 patch.

Permalink to story.

https://www.techspot.com/news/85319-apple-rolls-out-ios-135-simplified-face-unlock.html

 

[QuantumPhysics]

Thank you for the heads up.

 

[bviktor]

Oddly enough, I couldn't yet find a list of the countries where it's supported.

 

[ColdSoup]

How is Apple going to pretend to care about your privacy while publishing a feature that quite literally removes your privacy regarding personal health information?

At least Google is honest that is wants to collect all your info.

 

[Danny101]

? now snitches on ya. Look! Here he is! Get'em!

 

[p51d007]

Yeah, you have the OPTION to enable this...until the all knowing, all seeing, all powerful global governments make it mandatory. After all..."it's for your safety and security" and if it saves just one life ya know.

 

[netman]

Yeah, you have the OPTION to enable this...until the all knowing, all seeing, all powerful global governments make it mandatory. After all..."it's for your safety and security" and if it saves just one life ya know.

It will become mandatory on the next release...!

 

[Freddie159]

Oddly enough TechSpot doesn't tell you where in the new software it is!! I updated 3 devices and don't see anything about 'tracking' or COVID-19 anywhere.

 

[neeyik]

Oddly enough TechSpot doesn't tell you where in the new software it is!! I updated 3 devices and don't see anything about 'tracking' or COVID-19 anywhere.

From the news article:

It's optional for users to enable/disable these notifications that are activated once an associated app has been installed.

Apple have created an API, not an app.