Apple is currently beta testing iOS 13.5 for both developers and public beta users. The update includes three key changes in response to COVID-19, and here’s how you can try out the update today by joining the public beta.

Should you install the iOS 13.5 beta?

You should always be prepared for software bugs and performance issues in iOS betas, and iOS 13.5 is no different. That being said, this update is far more stable than something like the original iOS 13.0 beta due simply to the fact that there are fewer changes from iOS 13.4 to iOS 13.5 than from iOS 12 to iOS 13.

With that in mind, if you’re itching to try out the new features in iOS 13.5, and accept the risk of some bugs, the public beta is your best choice. Here’s how to install it on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch:

  • Head to Apple’s Beta Software Program website by using the Safari app on your iPhone
  • If you’ve previously been a public beta user, click “Sign in.” If not, choose “Sign up,” enter your Apple ID information, and agree to the terms and conditions.
  • Tap the “Enroll Your Devices” tab in the upper-right corner, then choose iOS from the menu
  • Apple will recommend that you perform a backup using iTunes; this is not required but we highly recommend in
  • Scroll to the Install Profile section of the website and choose “Download Profile”
  • Authorize the download,
  • Open the Settings app on your iPhone
  • Along the top, you should see a message saying you have a profile ready to be installed; tap that and install the profile as seen in the screenshots above
  • Your iPhone should now restart to complete the profile installation
  • Once your iPhone has restarted, go to Settings > General > Software Update. You should now see the iOS 13.5 update ready to be installed.

What’s new in iOS 13.5?

First and foremost, iOS 13.5 lays the groundwork for the Exposure Notification API developed by Apple and Google for COVID-19 contact tracing. This doesn’t do anything right now, however, as public health authorities are in the process of developing the applications to take advantage of the API.

But there are two material changes in iOS 13.5 prompted by COVID-19. First, Face ID can detect if you’re wearing a mask and skip directly to the passcode screen if so. This makes it much easier to unlock your phone if you’re wearing a mask or face covering of any sort.

Secondly, there’s a new setting for FaceTime that allows you to disable the shifting design during Group FaceTime calls. By default, the FaceTime app automatically enlarges and shrinks faces in a group call based on who’s talking, but this can be overwhelming with more than a few people. Learn more about that in our full coverage.

Once you’ve completed the initial install of the iOS 13.5 public beta, you’ll receive updates over-the-air just like you would for any other iOS version. We currently expect the final version of iOS 13.5 to be released to the public in mid-May.

Read more:

  • Busy Group FaceTime call? iOS 13.5 lets you turn off automatic face zooming
  • iOS 13.5 beta makes it easier to skip Face ID if you’re wearing a mask
  • Apple releases iOS 13.5 beta with first version of its COVID-19 exposure notification API