Apple users will finally be able to unlock their iPhones while without removing their face masks. The latest iOS 13.5 update bringing in this new feature is reportedly in its final developer testing phase. The governments around the world have made it compulsory to wear a mask in public places at all times as a safeguard against the spread of COVID-19.

Particularly, it had been a major issue for iPhone users who need Face ID recognition to unlock their devices. iOS users have to either remove their face mask or await repeated failed attempts at face recognition before the passcode field shows up to unlock their devices.

However, with the upcoming update, the iPhone will automatically display the passcode field whenever users attempt to unlock it while wearing a face mask. Furthermore, it would be especially helpful for iPhone users in the healthcare professions for whom either of the current options is not viable

iOS 13.5 Update will also roll out Apple Exposure Notification API

Notably, the update will also include the company’s Exposure Notification API for COVID-19. Apple and Google had recently partnered to develop a contact tracing API against the novel coronavirus for healthcare agencies. While the API update is being introduced all over the world, developers would need to enable it in their respective contact tracing apps for the API to come into effect. For instance, it would be interesting to see how the Aarogya Setu app incorporates the API on its platform.

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Additionally, the latest iOS update 13.5 will also come with minor fixes for the black screen issue in video streaming apps, the slide-out menu bug, and the FaceTime group video calls. While it is rumoured to be out soon for users, there have been no confirmations from the company so far.