Apple has just rolled out new iOS 13.5 Beta for public distribution and it includes several features that are related to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. One of them is face mask detection for Face ID that is paired together with a more streamlined way to unlock one’s iPhone.
With the new iOS 13.5 Beta, the iPhone would immediately present users with the passcode prompt when Face ID detects that the user is wearing a face mask. As a comparison, iPhone users currently have to let the Face ID detection timeout first before being presented with the passcode prompt.
In general, this means users that are wearing face mask able to unlock their iPhone much faster. The new iOS 13.5 Beta has also included an option called COVID-19 Exposure Notifications inside the Health section of the operating system’s Privacy settings.
The new option is the result of Apple and Google’s recent collaboration to deliver Bluetooth-based COVID-19 contact tracing capability within Android and iOS. This option basically allows users to opt-out from using this feature although apps that are built using this technology have not been released yet.
Since this beta release has been rolled out to the public, expect the finalized version of iOS 13.5 to be made available very soon. However, if you adventurous enough, you can check out Apple Beta Software Program’s official website to learn more on how you can install iOS beta releases into your iPhone.
