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Apple Releases iOS 13.1.3: Surprise Update With Vital Features

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Apple is full of surprises right now. It followed iOS 13 with a very quick update to 13.1 and then iOS 13.1.1

After that, three days later - just three days! - iOS 13.1.2 arrived. Well, that must be everything until iOS 13.2 launches in the coming weeks, right?

It turns out, not. In the last few hours, a new update has landed, wittily called iOS 13.1.3, which aims to sort out problems pronto. 

Forbes contributor Gordon Kelly reported that some iPhones were dropping calls and now this update is here with multiple fixes for lots of issues.

So,here’s what’s in the release, why it matters and how to get it. 


How to get it

It’s now available to download on compatible iPhones, with iPadOS 13.1.3 for suitable iPads. Go to the Settings app on the device and then choose General, then Software Update. Once you’ve clicked on Download and Install, it’ll do its work to bring you up to date.


What’s in the update?

Some devices have failed to ring, or vibrate when an incoming call arrives - that’s the top-listed fix in this update and should sort out that problem

An issue where Voice Memos may not download after a restore from iCloud Backup is also addressed, as is a problem where a meeting invite won’t open in Mail. 

Something that’s most pertinent to British users, or those visiting, this update fixes a problem where data in the Health app doesn’t display correctly after British Summer Time ends (which is the last Sunday in October, by the way). 

Then there’s Apple Watch: some users many have found that an Apple Watch and an iPhone might not pair successfully and this sorts that out. It also fixes an issue where notifications aren’t coming through to an Apple Watch.


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Some apps might fail to download when restoring from iCloud Backup, it seems and that’s on the list of bug squishes in this update.

Another issue that had been noticed, and reported by Gordon was one where Bluetooth could disconnect when being used on the move, in certain vehicles.

This update also improves the reliability of connection for Bluetooth hearing aids and headsets - which is certainly an important fix.

Finally, this update addresses the launch performance for apps that use Game Center.


Below, you can read exactly the changelog from Apple, if you’re into that sort of thing. And what the other major changes have been to date.

Next is iOS 13.2. I mean, surely? Well, we’ll see.

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Apple’s changelog in full

iOS 13.1.3 includes bug fixes and improvements for your iPhone. This update:

  • Addresses an issue that could prevent a device from ringing or vibrating for an incoming call
  • Fixes an issue that may prevent opening a meeting invite in Mail
  • Resolves an issue where data in the Health app may not display correctly after British Summer Time adjusts
  • Fixes an issue where Voice Memos recordings may not download after restoring from iCloud Backup
  • Addresses an issue where apps might fail to download when restoring from iCloud Backup
  • Fixes an issue that can prevent Apple Watch from pairing successfully
  • Resolves an issue where notifications may not be received on Apple Watch
  • Fixes an issue where Bluetooth may disconnect on certain vehicles
  • Improves connection reliability of Bluetooth hearing aids and headsets
  • Addresses launch performance for apps that use Game Center

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website:

Apple SupportApple security updates

The previous iOS 13 updates

iOS 13.1.2

September 30, 2019 was the release date for this recent update, just one weekend later than 13.1.1. It’s another bug fixer to do with iCloud Backup, for instance which showed a progress bar even after being completed. A malfunctioning camera was fixed here, too, as was the flashlight failing to initiate. Like in 13.1.3, this update sought to address an issue with Bluetooth dropping on some vehicles. There was also a display issue for the iPhone and a fix for problems running shortcuts from Apple HomePod.



iOS 13.1.1

This update launched on September 27, 2019. The big element was a fix for the flaw which led some third-party keyboards access the iPhone even when permission hadn’t been granted.

It also offered a solution to problems with battery drain, rather in contrast to the battery life gain which iOS 13 is all about. 

Restoring from a backup was a problem in this update as well as the latest one. Siri recognition is better and syncing in Reminders shouldn’t be slow any longer.


iOS 13.1

This came out on September 24, 2019 and sought to fix issues and squish bugs such as problems opening the camera properly, improperly behaving wallpapers, text entry issues and so on. There was also a fix to a battery management problem. New features included activating the U1 chip in the latest iPhones which gives the handsets a form of spatial awareness, improving AirDrop immediately and with other benefits set to follow. The Shortcuts app also saw extra support and more features. The facility to send your ETA to others from Maps was added.


iOS 13

Released on September 19, 2019, this was a very big release with an awful lot in it.  For full details, read the indepth analysis here

Features include: 

Dark mode to make the iPhone’s interface less glaring in a low-light environment, for instance. App developers can integrate Dark Mode into their apps so that the iPhone has a consistent look. Sign in with Apple lets you sign up to apps with your Apple ID and Apple will keep the site or app at arm’s length. You can sign in using Face ID or Touch ID as appropriate. Maps has been updated with a new street-level look and in-depth mapping on selected cities.


Photos and Camera apps have been seriously altered with a new look to the Photos tab and significant editing upgrades. Siri sounds more natural and will offer personalized recommendations. Reminders has been completely overhauled, and Notes has a new gallery view. Find My combines Find My iPhone and Find My Friends. It will help to locate offline devices, too.

QuickPath is the new way to enter text by swiping. It’s very cool.

Text editing has been improved, though the elegant magnifying glass which used to appear when you touched a word, making it visible even though the word itself was hidden under your thumb, say, has gone. I hope it’s coming back soon.

Among the miscellaneous treats are a pro-active system that tells you which apps have been accessing your location, for example. A message says how often it has done so in a set period of time and you can leave things as they are or adjust. It’s a very simple but highly reassuring detail.

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