Apple releases iOS and iPadOS 13.4.1

In a surprise push today, Apple has released a software update for iPhones, iPads, and iPods that are supported by iOS 13. Today's iOS and iPadOS 13.4.1 releases are focused on bug fixes.

Most notably, they address a problem caused by iOS/iPadOS 13.4 wherein users running that version could not join FaceTime calls with users running older versions of iOS or macOS—iOS 9.3.6 or OS X 10.11.6 or earlier, to be specific. Users began reporting the issue shortly after iOS 13.4 launched, and the timing was unfortunate given that users have been seeking digital ways to connect with family and friends amidst shelter-in-place orders across the world. Apple claims this issue is now fixed.

iOS 13.4.1 additionally fixed a bug that prevented the Bluetooth option in the quick-actions menu on the homescreen from working. The iPad version of the update also fixes an issue with the flashlight on recent iPad Pro models.

Normally, Apple introduces a list of security updates with each version of iOS, but the company's security-updates tracker page currently lists "no published CVE entries" for this release.

Here are the updates in Apple's words, via its iOS 13.4.1 release notes:

• Fixes an issue where devices running iOS 13.4 could not participate in FaceTime calls with devices running iOS 9.3.6 and earlier or OS X El Capitan 10.11.6 and earlier
• Addresses a bug with the Settings app where choosing Bluetooth from the quick actions menu on the Home screen would fail

iPadOS 13.4.1's release notes have those bullets too, but they also include this:

• Addresses an issue on iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation) and iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation) where the flashlight may not turn on after tapping the Flashlight button in Control Center or on the Lock screen

These aren't the only changes Apple has introduced to its software products this week. The company appears to have quietly updated its Maps app to prioritize grocery stores at the top of searches and introduce a food delivery search category, all in response to changing habits during regional lockdowns. And the Clips video editing app has received trackpad and mouse support.

Both updates are available today for all iPhone, iPod, and iPad devices supported by iOS 13.

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