Apple releases iOS 13.2 and iPadOS 13.2 for iPhone and iPad

Apple has shipped iOS 13.2 and iPadOS 13.2 for iPhone and iPad, an update it is shipping now to enable support for the AirPods Pro, as well as adding new emoji and the option to opt in to the Siri request accuracy review program.

Released on Monday, the update from iOS 13.1.3 and iPadOS 13.1.3 brings the iPhone and iPad up to version 13.2 in each case. The update can be applied to a user's device by entering the Settings app, selecting General, Software Update, and then selecting to install the update.

If users have automatic updates available, this will simplify the process by preparing the update in the background, then notifying the user it is ready to install the operating system upgrade. For iOS 13.2, the update from the previous version weighs in at 568.4 megabytes, while iPadOS 13.2 is a 531.7 megabyte download.

The update ships after four rounds of betas for each operating system, with the most recent release on October 23.

The timing of the release coincides with the launch of the AirPods Pro, which Apple revealed on Monday. The new model, which features Active Noise Cancellation, requires an update of the operating system to enable its new functionality, as well as to add core support for the audio accessory to Apple's devices.

Earlier AirPods also gain Announce Messages with Siri, where the digital assistant will read incoming messages aloud in the AirPods.

For iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max, iOS 13.2 introduces Deep Fusion, Apple's computational photography feature that uses the A13 Bionic Neural Engine to combine multiple images at various exposures into a single image with better texture, details, and reduced noise. The models also add the option to change the video resolution from within the Camera app, instead of doing so via Settings.

The option for users to opt in to a program to supply Apple with anonymized voice recordings of Siri requests is likely to be welcomed by privacy advocates. Previously used to improve the accuracy of Siri and its verbal prompt detection, Apple pulled the previous version of the program following unfavorable reports, and promised to change it to an opt-in program where Apple would not retain audio recordings, and that only Apple employees would be allowed to listen to the samples.

There is also the option to delete the Siri and Dictation history from Siri settings.

Over 70new emoji are introduced in the update, including animals, food, activities, accessibility, gender-neutral characters, and skin tone selection for some symbols.

For the Home app, HomeKit Secure Video is introduced, allowing users to privately capture, store, and view encrypted video from their home security cameras, as well as to detect people, animals, and vehicles in footage. HomeKit-enabled routers will also offer settings in the app so users can control which HomeKit accessories can communicate over the Internet.

There are also a number of bug fixes and improvements, including an issue where passwords wouldn't autofill in third-party apps, Messages displaying numbers instead of a contact's name, iCloud Backup problems, and others.