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

iOS 14 was first published in September 2020, ahead of 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 26.

iOS 14.5 will likely arrive later this month; the public beta is available now. The latest version of the operating system will include new features that will make it easier for you to unlock your phone while wearing a mask (provided you also own an Apple Watch ($ 169 at Amazon)), and which require apps to ask for user permission before tracking data and activity.

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

Read more: The best new iPhone features in iOS 14

What is the iOS 14.5 release date?

The latest version of Apple’s operating system, iOS 14.5, is now available in public beta. That means you can download it, but it might have some bugs because Apple is still working on it before its final version. We do not recommend that you download a beta version on the device that you use regularly.

Apple isn’t announcing publicly when it will release a new version of iOS, but there are some clues that we can follow. Given that the developer beta for iOS 14.5 became available on February 1, and the public beta shortly thereafter, and versions are released about once a month, we can expect to see the final version of iOS. 14.5 in February.

How do I download the public beta 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 that you don’t typically use, as there might be bugs) you must first sign up for Apple’s beta software program. To do this, go to beta.apple.com/sp/betaprogram and click on Register. You will need to enter your Apple ID and password, and agree to the terms and conditions. Tap ios, and under To start, Click on Register your Apple device. From there you will find more instructions on how to do this.

Once you are part of the program, you can access Settings > Software update, and when you see the public beta of iOS 14.5, press Download and install.

How do I download iOS 14.5 when it’s generally available?

Upon release, you should receive a prompt telling you that iOS 14.5 is now available and asking if you would like to download it. Or you can do the following:

1. Open the Settings app.

2. To select General.

3. Tap Software update.

Your device will connect to Apple’s servers and prompt you to download and install the update. Follow the prompts to complete the installation. When your device reboots, it will run iOS 14.5. (Consult our full instructions on getting your phone ready and downloading iOS 14 here.)

What devices are compatible with iOS 14.5?

iOS 14.5 will be compatible with all of the same devices as iOS 14. Usually these include the iPhone 6S ($ 450 at Boost Mobile) throughout iPhone 12, with iPhone SE ($ 85 at the Back Market) and the iPod Touch ($ 135 at Amazon) (seventh generation). For the full list of devices compatible with iOS 14, 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 opt for a feature that lets you 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 haptic feedback informing you 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 lists all of the music streaming services you have installed on your device. Just choose the one you want to set as the default drive, such as Spotify. The update was first spotted by Reddit users exploring beta versions of iOS 14.5 and reported by MacRumors on Monday.

Over 200 new emoji

iOS 14.5 will include 217 new emoji, including new skin tone variations for popular emoji such as couples kissing. You will also find new emoji like heart on fire, expiring faces, faces in clouds, and faces with spiral eyes. Changes have also been made to the syringe emoji, removing blood to make it more suitable for depicting vaccines.

Stream your Fitness Plus workouts with AirPlay

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

Transparency of application monitoring

iOS 14.5 includes privacy changes that will force apps to ask for user permission before tracking data and activity. This builds on a change released in iOS 14.3, which lets you see what data the applications collect before starting the download.

Global 5G dual SIM support

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

Siri Updates

Siri will soon have the option to call 911 for you, with a prompt of “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 adds iOS and iPadOS support for PS5 and Xbox Series X controllers, so you can play games on your phone or tablet.

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

To learn more, check out some of the best hidden iPhone features we found in iOS 14. And before updating the operating system, make sure your iPhone and iPad are ready to do this.

Shelby Brown also contributed to this story.