Apple releases fourth developer betas of iOS 13.5, iPadOS 13.5 with Exposure Notification

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in iOS
Apple has moved on to its fourth generation of betas for the current cycle, providing developers with new builds of iOS 13.5 and iPadOS 13.5 that integrate Exposure Notification and improved Face ID unlocks for mask wearers.

ios beta notification


The newest builds can be downloaded via the Apple Developer Center for those enrolled into the test program, or via an over-the-air update on devices running the beta software. Public betas typically arrive within a few days of the developer versions, via the Apple Beta Software Program website.

Apple provided the third round of betas on April 29, and included a renumbering of the current beta versions of iOS and iPadOS to version 13.5. The second round, which used version 13.4.5 for both iOS and iPadOS, arrived April 15. The first round for iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS landed March 31, with watchOS 6.2.5's build appearing on April 1.






Release notes for the builds have yet to offer real information about new features arriving in the new versions, except for the first software hooks required for the Exposure Notification API, intended to be used by in-development COVID-19 contact tracing apps. The hooks specifically do not do anything on their own and require an app to function properly.

Apple provided developers with sample code and user interfaces for the Exposure Notification feature on May 4.

A change was also made to how Face ID treats face masks, which cover the bottom half of the user's face and interferes with facial recognition. On detecting a face mask, Face ID will automatically skip the process and prompt for a passcode entry, saving users from having to wait for the timeout.

iOS Exposure Notification samples


Given the proximity to WWDC 2020, it is likely that there won't be any major introductions outside of coronavirus-related functionality in these releases, effectively making them maintenance releases.

Both AppleInsider and Apple itself strongly advise users don't install the betas on primary devices or hardware they deem as "mission-critical" at all, as there is the highly remote possibility of data loss or other issues. Testers should instead install betas onto secondary or non-essential devices as a safer alternative, and to always make sure there are sufficient backups of important data before updating.

Find any changes in the new betas? Reach out to us on Twitter at @AppleInsider or @Andrew_OSU, or send Andrew an email at [email protected].

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 8
    lkrupplkrupp Posts: 10,557member
    So is the exposure notification an app or an API for apps to use? Is it on by default and how do we turn it off?


    watto_cobra
  • Reply 2 of 8
    lkrupp said:
    So is the exposure notification an app or an API for apps to use? Is it on by default and how do we turn it off?


    API.  It's meant for health authority devs to integrate with.  Interestingly, I read somewhere that is is on by default.  That is likely to change.
    netmagewatto_cobra
  • Reply 3 of 8
    rorwesselsrorwessels Posts: 81member
    lkrupp said:
    So is the exposure notification an app or an API for apps to use? Is it on by default and how do we turn it off?


    API.  It's meant for health authority devs to integrate with.  Interestingly, I read somewhere that is is on by default.  That is likely to change.
    Yes, it is on by default. However, it can be turned off. Settings --> Privacy --> Health --> "COVID-19 Exposure Notifications"
    caladanianfastasleeprazorpitnetmagewatto_cobra
  • Reply 4 of 8
    caladaniancaladanian Posts: 380member
    Opt-out makes sense here. :smile: 
    netmage
  • Reply 5 of 8
    rorwesselsrorwessels Posts: 81member
    Opt-out makes sense here. :smile: 
    I would have preferred an opt-in.. Personally I think that's more in the spirit of GDPR and other privacy laws. This is a technology that could be perverted into a dreadful weapon against free peoples.
    razorpitPetrolDavewatto_cobra
  • Reply 6 of 8
    socalbriansocalbrian Posts: 24member
    Opt-out makes sense here. :smile: 
    I would have preferred an opt-in.. Personally I think that's more in the spirit of GDPR and other privacy laws. This is a technology that could be perverted into a dreadful weapon against free peoples.

    They have said the release version will be opt-in and will also require the user to download of an official national app to use it.
    PetrolDavenetmagewatto_cobra
  • Reply 7 of 8
    fastasleepfastasleep Posts: 6,408member
    Opt-out makes sense here. :smile: 
    I would have preferred an opt-in.. Personally I think that's more in the spirit of GDPR and other privacy laws. This is a technology that could be perverted into a dreadful weapon against free peoples.
    https://yourlogicalfallacyis.com/slippery-slope
    netmagewatto_cobra
  • Reply 8 of 8
    netmagenetmage Posts: 314member
    rorwessels said:
    This is a technology that could be perverted into a dreadful weapon against free peoples.
    Do you understand the API? Explain how it could be perverted into a weapon. Be specific, and show your work. 
    dysamoriafastasleepwatto_cobra
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