Although iOS 14 has been released since last fall, Apple continues to add new features to its mobile software. The next update – iOS 14.5 – is currently in beta form. Apple has already seeded this beta for developers, giving them a strict timeline for implementing the new application tracking transparency requirements in their applications. A public beta version of iOS 14.5 is also available.
The transparency of privacy highlights the next release, but we found more features of iOS 14.5 worth noting. Among them, Apple added a way to use Face ID to unlock the iPhone while wearing a mask. This workaround uses Apple Watch to authenticate you biometrically.
We scanned iOS 14.5 beta to find the most important additions, but this is not a final list. It is also possible that Apple will continue to add or adjust features before the final release of iOS 14.5 in a few weeks.
IOS 14.5 release date
You can now download iOS 14.5 as a public beta, which means that a formal release date should arrive soon. If you want to test the beta, we recommend that you do this on a secondary device. We expect the final version of iOS 14.5 to be released later this month.
Unlock with Apple Watch with iOS 14.5
We all learned about Face ID’s shortcomings when the COVID-19 pandemic happened. The masks confused the facial ID sensors, which means that, for the past year, we had to manually unlock our iPhones. Fortunately, Apple found an alternative solution, although it has one major caveat: you need an Apple Watch.
Unlocking with your Apple Watch is exactly what it sounds like. Using Apple’s wearable, you can bypass Face ID to unlock your iPhone. It requires that both devices are very close to each other, otherwise you will need to unlock the phone manually. The Apple Watch must also be unlocked for this to work.
Once you have iOS 14.5 and watchOS 7.4, you can access settings under Facial ID and password. Remember that you cannot use Unlock with Apple Watch to authenticate purchases from Apple Pay or the App Store. They will still require your face or password.
IOS 14.5 app tracking transparency
IOS 14.5 adds new application tracking transparency policies, a major change that Apple has planned to launch since announcing iOS last summer. Application developers, such as Facebook, will need to ask for your permission to access your advertising ID. This ID allows them to track you across apps and websites.
Some of these privacy features already exist on iOS 14, but 14.5 serves as a deadline for app developers to implement the new policy before apps are removed from the App Store.
When everything is live, you will see a new pop-up asking if you want the app to track you. Apple again aims at pure simplicity. It is a big step towards privacy and we are excited to see it come true.
Crowdsourcing accidents from Apple Maps (and mobile radars) on iOS 14.5
In iOS 14.5, Apple Maps is configured to copy a popular key feature from Waze. It will use real drivers to crowdsource road accidents, radars and other traffic hazards, just like its main competitors can. There will be a dedicated button on Maps to report something, available on both the phone and CarPlay – simple but effective.
Setting up your default music app on iOS 14.5
IOS 14 allows you to choose your own default browser and email applications, a change that has long been needed. Continuing with this momentum, Apple is releasing its domain a little more, allowing you to choose your own default music streaming application.
When you ask Siri to play a song, it can open in any application you define, including Spotify. This means that you no longer need to specify which application you want the music to play on. Siri will only use the one you have set as the default.
PS5 and Xbox Series X controller support | S on iOS 14.5
While the PS5 and Xbox Series X remain at fault, you can still get your hands on one of the new controllers quite easily. If you have one, a PlayStation 5 DualSense or Xbox Series X controller | S, you’ll be able to pair it with your iPhone on iOS 14.5.
Support for Apple Fitness Plus AirPlay 2 on iOS 14.5
IOS 14.5 enables AirPlay 2 support for Apple Fitness Plus, which means that you can stream your workouts to any AirPlay 2 compatible monitor.
Be aware that Apple Watch metrics will not appear on the larger screen. You will need to view these data points on your iPhone or iPad.
Support for Dual-SIM 5G on iOS 14.5
IPhone Dual SIM users can use 5G globally on iOS 14.5 with the iPhone 12 series. Dual-SIM means you can have two separate service lines on one device. This is great for people who keep their personal and work lines separate or for international travel.
When iOS 14.5 arrives, both SIMs will have access to full 5G speeds.
Outlook 14.5 iOS
There are many more things that we don’t cover here, but this update will include many tweaks and new additions. Apple plans to make this a major launch and we are looking forward to it arriving on our iPhones and iPads.
If you don’t want to wait for the final version of iOS 14.5, you can get the public beta right now, as long as you sign up for Apple’s beta program. It’s easy – just access Apple’s beta page in a browser on the device where you want to install the beta. From there, you enroll your iPhone in the program, using your Apple ID to sign in. Then, you follow the on-screen instructions to download a beta profile and install it on your phone.
A usual word of caution – although the iOS 14.5 beta is quite stable, it is still a beta, which means that problems can arise. If you trust your phone too much during the day, you may not want to subject it to the vagaries of beta software. If so, wait until the final version of iOS 14.5 is released.