Apple is currently testing new software for iPhones that will allow the users to unlock their mobile phones using Face ID while wearing a mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Presently, iPhone users are complaining that each time they wear a mask or use a covering for their face for protection against COVID-19, specifically when going outside or running errands, they cannot unlock their iPhone using Face ID.

According to those complaining, when their face is covered, their iPhone is unable to unlock. Then, it vibrates; eventually, times out then gives the option to "swipe up" and key-in the passcode instead.


The iOS 13.5 Beta Code 

Now, with the iOS 13.5 beta 3 code's launch, iPhone users can already choose to swipe up for their passcode to be activated without the need to wait for an error to occur when the Face ID does not register.

There is no confirmation from Apple yet when this new feature will launch, although it is among two new fixes targeted at combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition, the iOS 13.5 beta 3 is also introducing new software "essential for applications to develop contact-tracing," which is set to alert users if they have had any exposure to a person tested positive for COVID-19.


Apple's Initiative to Combat COVID-19

On April 30, reports came out that Apple and Google are currently working together in support of the COVID-19 contact-tracing apps. 

Earlier on, the two tech giants jointly announced their partnership through the use of the "proximity-tracing Bluetooth technology," to help the health and government agencies lessen the spread of COVID-19 through the contact-tracing feature.

Contact tracing, also known as the "Exposure Notification," is a way of identifying individuals who have come into contact with another person who is infected with the virus. Relatively, as of this week, Google and Apple are sending the code to the developers who will develop the apps.


2 Phases to Go Through

According to the two companies, the code's rollout to the developers involves two phases. Phase 1 engages the rollout itself, of the code to the developers. Phase 2, to come later, is the one to implement the technology.

Phase 2, Google said, will employ and apply the technology "at the operating system level to help guarantee broad adoption." 

Essentially, the applications will use Bluetooth to alert nearby devices to identify if the user has been in contact with another person infected with COVID-19. More so, if the said user decides to have a positive diagnosis reported to their app, their case will then be added to the list of positive diagnoses.

The said positive diagnosis list is managed and controlled by a public health authority. Therefore, users coming into the range of the Bluetooth "beacons" of the infected person can be alerted.

On the other hand, if a user gets notified by the app that he has just come in contact with an infected individual, the system will then share the day of the occurrence of contact, as well as the duration of that contact, among other information.


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