Apple officially released iOS 14.5, you should update now

Before upgrading iPhone to iOS 14.5, users are recommended to back up all data. This version is available with all iPhone devices running iOS 14 (iPhone 6s or later). iOS 14.5 brings the ability to unlock iPhone using Apple Watch even with a mask, more than 200 new emoji updates, 5G dual SIM support, voice addition for Siri, and Music and Podcast updates.

Unlock iPhone with Apple Watch even with a mask on

The COVID-19 pandemic has been raging for over a year and Apple finally gives users the ability to unlock iPhones with Apple Watch even while wearing a mask.

With iOS 14.5 and watchOS 7.4, open the Settings app on your iPhone, look for 'Face ID & Passcode' and activate the aforementioned new mode. The Apple Watch can now be used to authenticate iPhones as long as the following conditions are met:

1. - FaceID recognizes the mask on the user's face.
2. - Your Apple Watch is near.
3. - Your Apple Watch is being worn.
4. - Your Apple Watch is unlocked.
5. - Your Apple Watch has a password setting.

More than 200 new emojis

Apple brings more than 200 new emojis with iOS 14.5. Some of the changes include a redesigned headphone icon to look more like the AirPods Max. At the same time, the needle icon is removed by Apple to make the drop of blood look more like the meaning of the vaccine.

App Tracking Transparency

App Tracking Transparency is one of the most awaited changes of iOS 14.5. With this feature, applications will have to explicitly ask for user permission before following them across multiple apps or websites.

Siri has a new voice

Siri no longer has a female voice from iOS 14.5 by default. Starting from this version, users will have to choose a voice for Siri. Apple says Siri's voice has been recorded for more natural listening. For now, though, Siri's new voices are only available in English.

Micah Soto

Update 27 April 2021