Apple releases iOS 12.5.1 update with fixes related to the COVID-19 Exposure Notification feature which was added to older iPhones in December.
iOS 12.5.1 fixes bugs related to Exposure Notification API
Apple released iOS 12.5 for devices that could not update to iOS 14 with the crucial Exposure Notification feature. Users with older devices are encouraged to update and check if their region is participating in the COVID-19 tracking API.
The bug fix notes state: "This update fixes an issue where Exposure Notifications could incorrectly display logging profile language."
The update is available for:
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
- iPod Touch
- iPad Air
- iPad mini 2
- iPad mini 3
You can install the update from the Settings app, select General, then Software Update. Your device must be charged over 50% to update.
When using the Exposure Notification API, you will be prompted to select your region to determine if you can use the feature. As you go about your day, user's devices will exchange codes privately and securely to mark who you've been exposed to.
If you or someone else test positive for COVID-19, you will log this into the Exposure Notification system. After doing so, everyone who exchanged tokens with that device will be notified of an exposure.