As Apple continues to test the beta version of iOS 14.5, speculation is beginning to emerge about a possible release to the public. Currently, all signs point to a launch in the early spring. Keep reading while we recap everything we know about iOS 14.5 so far.
What’s new in iOS 14.5?
The biggest change in iOS 14.5 is a new feature that allows you to unlock your iPhone with the Apple Watch when wearing a face mask. This feature also requires watchOS 7.4, which we hope will be released to the public along with iOS 14.5.
After you update and activate this feature, your iPhone will automatically unlock with your Apple Watch the next time you wear a face mask. When your iPhone unlocks, you will receive a tactile feedback notification on your Apple Watch informing you that your iPhone has been unlocked by Apple Watch. There is also the option to “lock the iPhone” quickly, directly from that Apple Watch notification.
IOS 14.5 also includes a major privacy update in the form of App Tracking Transparency, a feature scheduled for the initial release of iOS 14, but postponed until now.
Application tracking transparency is a new feature that requires applications to request permission from users before tracking them on other applications and websites. In Settings, users will also be able to see which applications have requested permission to crawl, so that they can make changes as they see fit.
For example, when this requirement goes into effect, you will see a pop-up when opening the Facebook application saying that Facebook would like to track it on other applications and websites. There will be two options to choose from: “Ask the application not to track” or “Allow”. The feature has already raised anger on Facebook.
Then iOS 14.5 brings a new Siri intelligence feature that helps the virtual assistant to adapt to your favorite music application. Apple explained this because there is no specific configuration on iOS where users can configure a “standard” music service, so this feature was designed specifically as a Siri intelligence feature.
This means that when you ask Siri to play a song for the first time after installing iOS 14.5, Siri will ask you which app you want to use. After tapping one of the options, it will become the default for the next commands. This works for apps like Spotify, Pandora and Amazon Music.
Other new features in iOS 14.5:
- New “Items” tab in Find My app to track AirTags and other third-party accessories
- The iOS 14.5 code suggests support for Apple Card Family Sharing, but it is unclear whether this feature will succeed in the final version.
- Horizontal boot screen on iPad
- Updates to the music app, including swipe gestures, a lyrics sharing feature and more
- AirPlay 2 Support for Fitness + Workouts
- Waze-like features on Apple Maps
- PS5 / Xbox Series X controller support
iOS version 14.5
Apple generally does not announce the release of specific iOS updates, but this year, we received a tip about when we expect iOS 14.5 to be released.
As mentioned earlier, one of the major new features that come with iOS 14.5 is the new app tracking transparency privacy feature. Apple said App Tracking Transparency “will be widely released in early spring, with the launch of iOS 14, iPadOS 14 and tvOS 14.”
The first day of spring is March 20, which is a Saturday. This means that iOS 14.5 can be released to the public as soon as Monday, March 22. For comparison, last year, Apple released iOS 13.4 on March 24 after the announcement of the Magic Trackpad for iPad. IOS 13.4 has passed five public and developer beta tests.
But that said, it is more likely to come out after that. Here’s why.
IOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5 may also be linked to the launch of new Apple hardware products. Rumors have suggested that Apple could launch AirTags and new iPad Pro models in March, and AirTags specifically have new features in iOS 14.5.
This means that Apple can announce AirTags and later release iOS 14.5 to the public with the new Find My features. Currently, rumors indicate that Apple will hold a virtual event on March 23 to announce AirTags, new iPad Pros and potentially other new hardware. If that happens, iOS 14.5 is likely to be released after that event.
Wrap up
As you can see, we are getting close to the public launch of iOS 14.5, watchOS 7.4 and iPadOS 14.5. In fact, we could be within three weeks of that launch. What are you most excited to see when iOS 14.5 is released to the public? Do you plan to use the new Apple Watch Unlock feature? Let us know in the comments!
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