iOS 14.5 adds a number of useful features, but it also brings a big change in the area of privacy and data protection. But when will the update be released?
iOS 14.5 is currently in beta. Based on the current information, one thing is already certain - it is the biggest update under iOS 14. Here is an overview.
All new features in iOS 14.5
The biggest change in iOS 14.5 is a new function, which allows users to unlock their iPhone with their Apple Watch when wearing a face mask. The feature also requires watchOS 7.4, which is expected to be released together with iOS 14.5. This means that if an unlocked Apple Watch is worn, the iPhone can be unlocked directly with Face ID despite a face mask. A code is not required. But there are some important exceptions. The "Unlock iPhone with Apple Watch" feature is limited to masks. It won't work if your iPhone can't detect whether you're wearing a mask. In addition, the feature isn't available for things like Apple Pay, auto-filling credit cards in Safari, or accessing Apple Card features in the Wallet app. These restrictions were deliberately included by Apple because the feature isn't as secure as direct Face ID authentication.
The App Tracking Transparency
However, the update also contains a particularly big change in the area of data protection and privacy. In iOS 14.5, Apple is introducing the so-called App Tracking Transparency (ATT).
App Tracking Transparency is a new iOS 14 feature that requires apps to ask for users' permission before tracking them across other apps and websites. In Settings, users can also see which apps have requested permission to track, so they can make changes if they see fit. Once this requirement goes into effect, users will, for example, see a pop-up when they open the Facebook app. This message states that Facebook wants to track the user across other apps and websites.
There will be two options that users can choose from: "Do Not Track" or "Allow." If a user opts out of tracking, Apple will prevent the developer of the app from accessing the user's advertising identifier. The developer will also be required to respect the user's tracking preference in general, which means that they cannot use other methods to track the user. Otherwise, the app could be removed from the App Store.
New iPhone update: Siri remembers preferred music application
In addition, the update adds a new Siri Intelligence feature that helps the virtual assistant adapt to your favorite music application. Apple has explainedthat there is no specific setting in iOS where users can configure a "default" music service, so this feature is specifically designed as a Siri Intelligence feature. This means that the first time a user asks Siri to play a song after installing iOS 14.5, Siri will ask them which app they want to use. After the user taps one of the options, it becomes the "default" for the next commands. This works for apps like Spotify, Pandora, and Amazon Music.
Additional features in iOS 14.5:
- New Objects tab in the Find My app for tracking AirTags and other third-party accessories
- iOS 14.5 code hints at support for Apple Card Family Sharing
- Horizontal home screen on the iPad
- Additional languages for Scribble on iPadOS 14.5
- Updates to the Music app, including swipe gestures, a lyrics sharing feature, and more
- AirPlay 2 support for Fitness+ workouts
- Waze-like features in Apple Maps
- Support for PS5 / Xbox Series X controllers
Apple usually does not specify when exactly a new iOS version will be released. But with iOS 14.5 it is a little different. The Pursue In its App Tracking Transparency announcement, Apple said the feature will be released in an iOS 14 release “in early spring.”
When will iOS 14.5 be released?
Today we know – iOS 14.5 is what is meant by that. Spring begins on March 20th – but that does not mean that iOS 14.5 will be released on that day. Quite the opposite. It can be assumed that the new iOS version is linked to new Apple products. Rumors currently suggest that Apple will release the new version on March 23rd. host an event and will introduce new products. The new hardware includes new iPad Pro models as well as AirTags - so the rumors say. Interestingly, iOS 14.5 has important code that is specifically intended for AirTags. This means that Apple could announce AirTags and then release iOS 14.5 with the new Find My features. Of course, things could also go differently. But on the whole, it can be assumed that the update will be rolled out to all users by the end of the month. (Photo by Denys Prykhodov / Bigstockphoto)
