iOS 13.5 developer beta released, unlocking with a mask will be more convenient

Apple released the iOS 13.5 developer beta version on May 19 and is expected to push the test to public beta users this week.

From the iOS 13.5 description document officially released by Apple, it can be seen that this update mainly focuses on the following two parts:

The first is the update to the Face ID part. In iOS 13.5, when the sensor with a facial recognition device detects that the user is wearing a mask, it will speed up the call for password unlocking, allowing the password to be entered faster to unlock.

In previous iOS versions, when wearing a mask to unlock, the keyboard input interface would be called up for password unlocking only after facial unlocking failed or even failed multiple times. And the unlocking logic of Face ID this time will be more convenient and safer than the previous method that relied on machine learning to recognize the face wearing a mask to unlock.

Then, the Apple/Google Contact Tracing API was introduced to support local public health authorities in tracking and locating confirmed COVID-19 cases or related contacts, similar to the program launched during the domestic outbreak to view nearby confirmed or infected cases.

However, this API function requires the Public Health Bureau to release an application that calls it before it can be used, and users can also manually turn off this function in the privacy settings.

Of course, there are also some other detailed updates: for example, in previous iOS versions, when using Face Time calls, the person who is speaking will be automatically enlarged, while in the latest version of iOS 13.5, users can customize the settings, turn off the automatic enlargement function, or tap a person’s call magnet to enlarge.

The second is some fixes and updates for hot spots, medical ID information, and related system vulnerabilities.

However, for domestic users, the biggest focus of this iOS 13.5 update is the changes to the facial recognition unlocking logic, which greatly improves the unlocking speed when wearing a mask. And if Alipay or WeChat can adapt such payment logic to face-swiping payment in the future, this is something I am naturally looking forward to for someone like me who often doesn’t wash my face and goes to the supermarket downstairs to buy supplies.