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New iOS 13 update fixes major issue that affected iPhone users for months

Updated: Jan 29, 2020, 2:09 AM

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New iOS 13 update fixes major bug that affected users for months

Apple has today released iOS 13.3.1 and iPadOS 13.3.1 to compatible iPhones and iPads, and the former introduces a fix for a major location tracking bug that has affected users since later September.

iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro users don't need to worry anymore

It was revealed back in December that the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max continue to track users even when location tracking is manually switched off. That’s because the new U1 Ultra Wideband chip has to be disabled in certain locations around the world due to international regulatory requirements.

Apple insisted at the time that the gathered location data was stored on the device and not collected by the company. Nevertheless, it got to work on a fix and with iOS 13.3.1 users of the aforementioned flagships can now “control the use of location services by the U1 Ultra Wideband chip.”

The iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max

To take advantage of the new option, simply head to Settings > Privacy > Location Services and tap the Networking & Wireless toggle.

iOS 13.3.1 and iPadOS 13.3.1 fix several other issues too

Today’s update also fixes an issue in Communication Limits under the Screen Time feature that allowed an extra contact to be added without entering the passcode. Apple has eliminated a small bug that sometimes caused a momentary delay before editing Deep Fusion photos.

Other issues that have been resolved with the update include an issue with the Mail app that caused remote images to load even when that setting was disabled, a FaceTime bug that opened the ultra-wide rear camera, and an issue where push notifications failed to deliver over Wi-Fi.

Lastly, Apple has introduced support for Indian English Siri voices for HomePod and fixed a CarPlay issue that caused distorted sound when making phone calls. The former looks set to be released in the market sometime in the near future, hence the introduction of new voices.

The 2018 11-inch iPad Pro

Because iPadOS 13 is based on iOS 13, the previous software release contained several of the iOS 13 bugs mentioned above. These have now been fixed with today's iPadOS 13.3.1 release.

Apple highlighted the Communications Limits issue mentioned above, the aforementioned bugs in the Mail app, the lack of push notifications over Wi-Fi, and support for Indian English on the HomePod.

The iPhone 5s is supported seven years after launch

The iPhone 5s isn't compatible with iOS 13 because of the hardware limitations that its 2013 components bring to the table. However, a decent number of people still use the smartphone and Apple is keen to ensure their smartphones stay secure.

Apple has, therefore, today released iOS 12.4.5 which introduces a series of "important security updates." The release is recommended for all eligible users and shouldn't affect performance in any way as no new features or modifications are part of the release.

Apple also released WatchOS 6.1.2 today

In addition to the aforementioned iPadOS and iOS software releases, Apple has begun sending out WatchOS 6.1.2 to compatible Apple Watch models. Unfortunately, the Silicon Valley-based company didn't detail the new update and instead only revealed that it contains "provides important security updates" which are "recommended for all users."