iOS 14.5 is on its way. What we know about a release date and new features

iOS 14 was first launched in September 2020, before the launch of the iPhone 12. New versions of Apple’s mobile operating system have been released once a month since then, with new features and bug fixes. The last version — iOS 14.4 – was released on January 26th.

IOS 14.5 is likely to arrive later this month; the public beta is now available. The latest version of the operating system will include new features that make it easier for you to unlock your phone using a mask (provided you also have an Apple Watch ($ 169 on Amazon)) and that require applications to request user permission before tracking data and activity.

Here’s everything we know about iOS 14.5 so far, including when it will be available for download and what new features you can expect.

Read More: The best new iPhone features of iOS 14

When is the iOS 14.5 release date?

The latest version of Apple’s operating system, iOS 14.5, is now available as a public beta. This means that you can download it, but it may contain some bugs, since Apple is still working on it before the final release. We do not recommend downloading any beta on the device you use regularly.

Apple does not publicly announce when it will release a new version of iOS, but we can follow some leads. Since the developer beta for iOS 14.5 was released on February 1, and the public beta soon after, and releases are released approximately once a month, we can expect to see the final version of iOS 14.5 in February.

How can I download the public beta version of iOS 14.5?

If you want to download the public beta of iOS 14.5 and try out some of the new features (again, we recommend doing this on a device you don’t normally use, as there may be bugs), you must first sign up for the Apple Beta Software Program. To do this, go to beta.apple.com/sp/betaprogram and click Sign up. You will need to enter your Apple ID and password and agree to the terms and conditions. Touch iOS, and below Start, click Enroll your Apple device. There, you will find more instructions on how to do this.

Once you are part of the program, you can go to settings > Software update, and when you see iOS 14.5 Public Beta, click Download and install.

How do I download iOS 14.5 when it is generally available?

When it launches, you should receive a warning that iOS 14.5 is now available and asking if you want to download it. Or you can do the following:

1 Open the settings application.

two Select In general.

3 – Touch Software update.

Your device will connect to Apple’s servers and ask you to download and install the update. Follow the instructions to complete the installation. When your device restarts, it will be running iOS 14.5. (Check out our complete instructions on how to prepare your phone and download iOS 14 here.)

Which devices are compatible with iOS 14.5?

iOS 14.5 will be compatible with the same devices as iOS 14. Generally, this includes the iPhone 6S ($ 450 on Boost Mobile) all the way to the iPhone 12, along with the iPhone SE ($ 85 on the back market) and the iPod Touch ($ 135 on Amazon) (seventh generation). For the full list of iOS 14 compatible devices, click here.

What new features will iOS 14.5 include?

The latest version of iOS will bring several useful new features, including:

Use Face ID on your Apple Watch to unlock your iPhone – even when wearing a mask

Apple Watch owners will be able to choose a feature that allows you to use Face ID to unlock your iPhone when your watch is on and unlocked, even if your face is obscured by a mask. The watch will provide tactile feedback that your iPhone has been unlocked.

Set a default music player of your choice

Apple Music may no longer need to be your default music player. Instead, the first time you ask Siri to play something, it will list all streaming music services you installed on your device. Just choose which one you want to set as your default player, like Spotify. The update was first identified by Reddit users exploring iOS 14.5 beta versions and reported on Monday by MacRumors.

More than 200 new emoji

iOS 14.5 will include 217 new emoji, including new skin tone variations for popular emojis, like kissing couples. You will also find new emoji like heart on fire, faces exhaling, faces in clouds and faces with spiral eyes. Changes were also made to the syringe’s emoji, removing blood to make it more appropriate to represent vaccines.

Stream Fitness Plus workouts with AirPlay

iOS 14.5 and WatchOS 7.4 will allow Apple Fitness Plus users broadcast workouts Directly to AirPlay 2-compatible TVs and devices.

Application tracking transparency

IOS 14.5 includes privacy changes that will require applications to request permission from the user before tracking data and activity. This is based on a change released in iOS 14.3, which allows you to see what data apps collect before you download.

Global Dual-SIM 5G support

Soon, iPhone 12 users will have dual SIM support globally, which means you can take advantage of the phone’s physical SIM slot and digital eSIM to have two service lines on the same phone. This support was previously available only in mainland China.

Siri Updates

Soon, Siri will have the ability to call 911 for you, with a prompt “Hey, Siri, call emergency.” You will see a three-second countdown, giving you the option to cancel the request.

Console controller support

With the update, Apple is adding support for iOS and iPadOS to PS5 and Xbox Series X controllers, so you can play on your phone or tablet.

You’ll also find some design changes in the Podcasts, News and Reminders apps.

For more information, check out some of the the best hidden iPhone features we found on iOS 14. And before making any updates to the operating system, make sure your iPhone and iPad are ready for this.

Shelby Brown also contributed to this story.