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Apple released the first beta of iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5 and more for registered developers on Monday evening. We summarize all the new features below.
In iOS 14.5, Apple has introduced several new features, as well as tweaks and bug fixes. By far the biggest change, however, is the "App Tracking Transparency" feature. For those who missed it, here's a recap:
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.
Below we list the remaining functions, including confirmed but also leaked features.
AirPlay 2 for Fitness+, 5G in dual-SIM mode and more
- Unlocking the iPhone with Apple Watch is coming - In the future, users who wear a mask will be able to easily and conveniently unlock their iPhone with Face ID thanks to the Apple Watch. This requires iOS 14.5 and watchOS 7.4. The Apple Watch must be paired with the respective iPhone and have an active key code. In order for the process to be triggered, wrist detection must also be active. If this is the case, the iPhone will be unlocked via Face ID without entering a code. However, the feature must be activated separately.
- AirPlay 2 for Fitness+ – iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5, and watchOS 7.4 enable AirPlay 2 support for Apple Fitness+. This means that Apple's fitness service can be streamed via AirPlay to a compatible AirPlay 2-enabled smart TV or Apple TV in the future. Although workouts can be performed on a larger screen in the future, the Apple Watch, iPhone, or iPad will still be required for metrics. This means activity rings, remaining workout time, calories burned, run time, and burn bars will not be displayed on the TV and must instead be viewed on the connected iPhone or iPad.
- 5G in dual-SIM mode – The iPhone 12 models are known to have a physical SIM tray and also support eSIMs. This means that the devices offer users dual-SIM operation if they wish. But so far, dual-SIM operation was limited to LTE. This will now change under iOS 14.5. This means that in the future, users of an iPhone 12 will be able to operate both lines on 5G.
- Extended controller support – In addition to the expansion of the dual-SIM mode, support for the latest gaming controllers from Sony and Microsoft was also introduced. This means that users will be able to connect the PS5 DualSense controller and the Xbox Series X joystick to the iPhone or iPad in the future. It can be assumed that Apple will also add the feature during the beta phase under tvOS 14.5.
iOS 14.5: Apple Card Family, Siri Emergency Calls, Podcasts App and more
- Apple Card Family Leak – The code in the iOS 14.5 update also suggests that Apple will add a new feature that will allow multiple people to use the same Apple Card account, allowing family members to share a single card. The cardholder will be able to invite family members to use the Apple Card account, with family spending visible in the Wallet app. Additionally, they will be able to set spending limits for individuals.
- Siri Emergency Calls – According to Rene Ritchie, iOS 14.5 includes a feature that allows Siri to initiate an emergency call with the command "Hey Siri, call 911." Interestingly, the feature also appears to work in earlier versions of iOS, suggesting it could be a server-side change.
- Podcasts app – There are some minor design changes made to the Podcasts app. Podcasts under "Shows" are now more prominently listed with episode descriptions and an easier-to-access "Resume" button.
- Reminders app – There is now an option to sort lists in reminders by due date, creation date, priority, or title. There is also an option to print a reminder list, which is a feature users have been requesting for some time.
iOS 14.5: Emergency Alerts, Horizontal Loading Screen & Emoji Search
- Emergency alert settings – Apple has also made a small change in this area. In the settings, under Notifications, the "Emergency Alerts" section can now be disabled. This means that emergency alerts will not play a sound if the volume or ringer is muted. However, there are some exceptions. According to Apple's code, alerts for earthquakes, tsunamis, and other similar emergency alerts will continue to play loudly.
- Horizontal loading screen – On the iPad, the loading screen with the Apple logo will now be displayed in a horizontal orientation, provided the device is positioned accordingly.
- Emoji Search – iPadOS 14.5 now lets users search for a specific emoji, a feature introduced on iPhone in iOS 14.
iOS 14.5: Apple has made some changes to the code
In addition to the functions mentioned above, Apple also made minor changes to the code of the new iOS version. Some of them seem quite interesting.
- Siri could be able to inform users about traffic conditions while they are in the car.
- There are hints of new Siri car commands that could be implemented in the future.
- There are hints of U1 chip pairing for the car, which may be related to plans by some automakers to implement ultra-wideband support for digital keys, including BMW.
- iOS 14.5 also documents the so-called "Financial Health" feature, which could analyze users' spending and provide savings recommendations.
- Shazam could get new features.
- Siri may be able to modify contact entries in the future.
All in all, Apple seems to want to make more changes in iOS 14.5 than originally expected. It is currently unknown when the final version of iOS 14.5 will be released. It is therefore expected that the update will be released at the end of February or beginning of March. (Photo by New Africa / Bigstockphoto)
