After Apple released the Golden Master versions of iOS 14.2 & iPadOS 14.2 last Friday, the updates have now been made available to all iPhone & iPad users. watchOS 7.1, tvOS 14.2 and iOS 12.4.9 were also released. This is new in iOS 14.2, iPadOS 14.2 & watchOS 7.1.
The new updates fix a whole range of bugs and improve performance. But there are also some interesting new features. The HomePod has also been taken into account. For example, the media controls in the Control Center have been revised and the AirPlay button in Apple Music has been updated. But the absolute highlight is a new element in the Control Center - music recognition. This means that under iOS 14.2 it is possible to integrate Shazam in the Control Center. New emojis are also being introduced. In terms of the HomePod, iOS 14.2 introduces intercom support as well as the Dolby Atmos feature, which supports the classic version of the HomePod in conjunction with an Apple TV 4K. In terms of problems, Apple lists around 15 different bug fixes, including problems with widgets, the training GPS routes or health data of the Apple Watch, CarPlay and more. Below I have listed the entire update description for the updates verbatim. AirPods Pro on special offer at Amazon – available now. (Picture: Nomad)
iOS 14.2 includes the following improvements for your iPhone:
- Over 100 new emoji, including animals, food, faces, household items, musical instruments, gender-specific emoji and more
- Eight new wallpapers in light and dark mode
- Magnifier can detect people nearby and report their distance using the LiDAR sensor included in the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max
- Support for iPhone 12 Leather Case with MagSafe
- Optimized battery charging for AirPods to slow battery aging by reducing the time your AirPods are fully charged
- Headphone audio level notifications to alert you when the audio level may affect your hearing
- New AirPlay controls for streaming entertainment throughout the home
- Intercom support with HomePod and HomePod mini via iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods and CarPlay
- Ability to connect HomePod to Apple TV 4K for stereo, surround sound and Dolby Atmos audio
- Option to provide statistics on exposure reports, without identifying you, to participating health authorities
This version also fixes the following issues:
- Apps may be out of order on the home screen dock
- The camera viewfinder may appear black at startup
- The keyboard on the lock screen may miss touches when trying to enter the passcode
- Memories could go back to times in the past
- Photo widget must not display content
- The weather widget could display the high temperature in Celsius if it is set to Fahrenheit
- The description of the next hour's precipitation map in Weather may incorrectly indicate when the precipitation will stop
- Voice memo recordings are interrupted by incoming calls
- The screen may be black during Netflix video playback
- Apple Cash may fail to send or receive money when sent via Siri
- Apple Watch app may close unexpectedly when opened
- Training GPS routes or health data cannot be synced between Apple Watch and iPhone for some users
- Audio is incorrectly labeled as “Not Playing” in the CarPlay Dashboard
- Devices could be prevented from charging wirelessly
- Threat notifications are disabled when restoring iPhone from iCloud backup or transferring data to a new iPhone using iPhone Migration
Apple also has separate notes for iPadOS 14:
- Over 100 new emoji, including animals, food, faces, household items, musical instruments, gender-specific emoji and more
- Eight new wallpapers in light and dark mode
- Magnifier can detect people nearby and report their distance using the LiDAR sensor included in the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation) and iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation)
- In-camera scene recognition uses intelligent image recognition to identify objects within a scene and automatically enhances the photo on iPad Air (4th generation)
- Auto-FPS in camera automatically reduces the frame rate when recording video to improve low-light performance and optimize file size on iPad Air (4th generation)
- Optimized battery charging for AirPods to slow battery aging by reducing the time your AirPods are fully charged
- New AirPlay controls for streaming entertainment throughout the home
- Intercom support with HomePod and HomePod mini via iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods and CarPlay
- Ability to connect HomePod to Apple TV 4K for stereo, surround sound and Dolby Atmos audio
This version also fixes the following issues:
- The camera's viewfinder may appear black when starting up
- The keyboard on the lock screen may miss touches when trying to enter the passcode
- Memories could go back to times in the past
- Photo widget must not display content
- Weather widget could display the high temperature in Celsius if it is set to Fahrenheit
- Voice memo recordings are interrupted by incoming calls
- The screen may be black during Netflix video playback
- Apple Cash may fail to send or receive money when sent via Siri
watchOS 7.1 includes new features, improvements, and bug fixes:
- Notifications can warn you when the volume of your headphones may cause hearing damage.
- Added support for the ECG app on Apple Watch Series 4 or later for the Republic of Korea and Russia.
- Support for irregular heart rhythm notifications has been added for the Republic of Korea and Russia.
- An issue that prevented some users from unlocking their Mac with Apple Watch is fixed.
- Fixes an issue that could cause some Apple Watch Series 6 users to see a black screen when raising their arm.
HomePod Update:
Software version 14.2 includes support for Siri, Intercom, and Home Theater features. This update also includes bug fixes and improvements.
- For example, ask Siri “What’s in my update?” to hear a personalized overview of your day, including news, weather, traffic, reminders, and calendar events.
- Use Intercom with iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, and CarPlay.
- Connect HomePod to your Apple TV 4K and enjoy stereo audio, surround sound, and Dolby Atmos. Add a second HomePod for a more immersive soundstage.
