Apple Seeds updated the first beta version of iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5 for developers

Apple today seeded a new version of the upcoming iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5 updates for developers for testing purposes, with the new beta updates coming a few days after Apple released the first iOS and iPadOS 14.5 beta. This beta version appears to be an update to the first beta version, not a second version.

iOS and iPadOS 14.5 can be downloaded through the Apple Developer Center or over the air after the appropriate profile has been installed on an iPhone or iPad.

IOS 14.5 is the biggest update to iOS 14 to date, featuring several significant new features. First, Apple is making it easier to unlock an iPhone when you wear a face mask with a new “Unlock with Apple Watch” feature.

This option allows you to use an unlocked and authenticated Apple Watch as a secondary authentication method to unlock a ‌iPhone‌ together with Face ID. With this feature, you no longer need to enter a password or remove your mask to unlock your ‌iPhone‌. To use this, a ‌iPhone and running iOS 14.5 and an Apple Watch are required, and the Apple Watch cannot authenticate Apple Pay purchases, App Store purchases or unlock third-party apps that use facial ID.

The update also brings worldwide support for 5G in Dual-SIM mode on iPhone 12 models, so if you use multiple lines, both can now connect at 5G speeds. Until now, Dual-SIM mode was limited to LTE networks.

With watchOS 7.4, iOS and iPadOS 14.5 include AirPlay 2 support for Apple Fitness +, so Apple Fitness + subscribers can start a workout on a PiPhone‌ or iPAd and then AirPlay for a compatible smart TV or set-top box. PlAirPlay‌ 2 supports audio and video, but does not display training metrics on the screen.

PlayStation 5 DualSense and Xbox Series X controllers are supported on the ‌iPhone‌ and ‌iPad‌ with iOS 14.5, and the code suggests that Apple will add joint account support for the Apple Card in the near future.

iOS 14.5 is the update in which Apple will begin to require developers to comply with its application tracking transparency rules. In the future, developers will need to request and receive their permission to access their random advertising identifier and track their activity on apps and websites.

Apple made design adjustments to the Apple News and Podcasts apps, as well as new printing and sorting options in the Reminders. There are new settings for emergency alerts, a horizontal loading screen on the PiPad‌ and many other minor feature adjustments that are described in our complete iOS 14.5 resource guide.