iOS 13.5 Update Allows Easier Unlocking While Wearing a COVID-19 Mask

With the coronavirus pandemic persisting, many people prefer and even need to wear masks to avoid contracting the disease. Consequently, Apple's latest iOS 13.5 iPhone update has a feature that makes it easier to unlock a phone while wearing a mask.

“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,” Apple said on its website.

With the update, users can swipe up and enter a passcode when unlocking an iPhone. Users can do this instead of the phone’s facial recognition feature.

Apple today is releasing the iOS 13.5 and iPadOS 13.5 GM to developers. The iOS 13.5 update includes features for unlocking your phone while wearing a face mask. #COVID19Impact #iOS13.5https://t.co/JE0cruxHlh

— GVS (@GVS_News) May 21, 2020

In previous updates, users could swipe up on an iPhone’s unlock screen. Then, they needed to tap “Face ID” to go enter the passcode. “The update makes this process a couple seconds faster,” reported Fox Business.

The update also has a feature that will automatically support Apple and Google's joint exposure notification software. This software was released by Apple and Google. It helps public health authorities as they can use the tech giants’ technology to produce COVID-19 contact-tracing apps.

“The update means that if users consent to downloading such an app, their phones will automatically have the software to support it,” said Fox Business. These apps will be able to notify people if they came into contact with someone who has the virus.

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