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Apple just released the first iOS 13.5.5 beta for the iPhone

Published Jun 1st, 2020 2:35PM EDT
iOS 13.5.5 beta 1
Image: Zach Epstein for BGR

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  • Apple just released its first iOS 13.5.5 beta and iPadOS 13.5.5 developer beta on Monday.
  • The release came shortly after the public releases of iOS 13.5.1 and iPadOS 13.5.1, which appear to have been security fixes to kill the new iOS jailbreak tool.
  • It’s unclear what the main improvements and updates are in iOS 13.5.5, but it’s expected to be a minor interim release following iOS 13.5, which was a more significant update.

Shortly after releasing iOS 13.5.1 and iPadOS 13.5.1 to the general public, Apple on Monday released a new version of its mobile software platforms for developers. The first iOS 13.5.5 and iPadOS 13.5.5 betas are now available to developers as over the air updates.

iOS 13.5 is the first version of the software to feature the API for Apple’s contact tracing technology, which the company developed in collaboration with Google. Authorized developers can use the API to build apps of their own to trace people who test positive for COVID-19, which will be a vital step in the process of beating the coronavirus and getting back to normal.

In addition to the API, iOS 13.5 also brought an improvement to Face ID that makes it easier to unlock your iPhone when you are wearing a mask. Once you download the update, your iPhone will automatically skip to the passcode screen rather than trying to scan your face through the mask. You can also disable larger tiles in Group FaceTime video calls, in case you don’t want anyone’s face to dominate the entire screen.

Apple’s iOS 13.5.5 beta 1 is now available, alongside the corresponding iPad software update for developers, iPadOS 13.5.5 beta 1. We can also expect new versions of Apple’s public iOS betas to follow shortly. Wondering whether or not your device is compatible with iOS 13.5.5 or iPadOS 13.5.5? We put together a list below that contains every compatible device. If your device is on there, it works with Apple’s latest beta software:

  • iPhone SE 2nd generation
  • iPhone 11 Pro
  • iPhone 11 Pro Max
  • iPhone 11
  • iPhone XS
  • iPhone XS Max
  • iPhone XR
  • iPhone X
  • iPhone 8
  • iPhone 8 Plus
  • iPhone 7
  • iPhone 7 Plus
  • iPhone 6s
  • iPhone 6s Plus
  • iPhone SE
  • 12.9-inch iPad Pro 3rd generation
  • 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2nd generation
  • 12.9-inch iPad Pro 1st generation
  • 10.5-inch iPad Pro
  • 9.7-inch iPad Pro
  • iPad Air 3rd generation
  • iPad Air 2
  • iPad 6th generation
  • iPad 5th generation
  • iPad mini 5th generation
  • iPad mini 4
  • iPod touch 7th generation

As you know by now, installing a new iOS or iPadOS beta on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch couldn’t be easier. Just navigate to Settings > General > Software Update and then tap “Download and Install” at the bottom of that page. If you want, you can also install the update through iTunes by connecting your iOS device to your computer. Whichever method you choose, just make sure to back up your device before installing the update.

Zach Epstein Executive Editor

Zach Epstein has been the Executive Editor at BGR for more than 15 years. He manages BGR’s editorial team and ensures that best practices are adhered to. He also oversees the Ecommerce team and directs the daily flow of all content. Zach first joined BGR in 2007 as a Staff Writer covering business, technology, and entertainment.

His work has been quoted by countless top news organizations, and he was recently named one of the world's top 10 “power mobile influencers” by Forbes. Prior to BGR, Zach worked as an executive in marketing and business development with two private telcos.