That didn't take long.
Just two days after releasing the iOS 13.5 GM to developers, Apple has begun rolling the update out to consumers. You can download iOS 13.5 on your iPhone and iPadOS 13.5 on your iPad right now by going into Settings > General > Software Update on your device.
This update includes several improvements and new features, including some related to the coronavirus pandemic. Apple says it's simplified the unlock process for devices with Face ID when you're wearing a mask. This means that when your device detects that you're wearing a mask, your device will skip trying to scan your face and automatically present the passcode field.
This simplified device unlocking will also work when you're authenticating purchases in the App Store, making purchases with Apple Pay, and using other apps that support signing in with Face ID.
The update to iOS 13.5 also includes the exposure notification API that Apple and Google collaborated on. With this API, public health authorities can build COVID-19 contact tracing apps for Android and iOS that can help to fight the spread of the coronavirus. You can read more about that API here.
Other changes packed into iOS 13.5 include the option to disable the Group FaceTime feature that automatically enlarges a person's tile when they're speaking, leaving every person's window the same size. You also now have the option to automatically share health and other personal info from your Medical ID with emergency services when you make an emergency call.
We saw in the betas that iOS 13.5 will allow you to easily share Apple Music songs to your Instagram Stories. And Apple says that it's squashed some bugs in this update, too, like one issue where some users might see a black screen when trying to stream a video from some websites.
If you've got an Apple Watch, remember that Apple also launched the watchOS 6.2.5 update earlier this week.
While you wait to download and install the iOS 13.5 update on your device, you can peruse Apple's full changelog below.
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