Written by: Jay H.
Apple released iOS and iPadOS 14.5.1 to the public on April 26. This update is particularly exciting for Apple users due to several new features focused on user privacy and experience.
New Privacy Features
The most significant feature in the new update is App Tracking Transparency (ATT), which shows which apps are tracking you as you use different apps and websites on your iPhone. Starting iOS 14.5, apps are required to notify you when they want to track you, and you will have to permit them to do so.
This feature is game-changing for privacy since many people are now able to opt-out of invasive tracking. Previously, advertisers relied on the identifier for advertisers (IDFA)–an anonymized ID assigned to each Apple user–to track how users interact with ad campaigns, for example.
Now, users will be able to see which apps track them and what data they collect.
Not Everyone Is Happy
Despite the crackdown on user privacy, not everyone is happy with the new changes. Notably, Facebook–and in turn, Instagram–has voiced its opposition, claiming that the privacy changes would hurt small businesses that rely on personalized ads to reach customers.
In a new pop-up on Facebook and Instagram’s iOS apps, Facebook urges users to permit tracking.
“This version of iOS requires us to ask for permission to track some data from this device to improve your ads,” the notice reads. “We use this information about your activity received from other apps and websites to: show you ads that are more personalized, help keep Facebook/Instagram free of charge, [and] support businesses that rely on ads to reach their customers.”
Unlock Your iPhone When Wearing A Mask
Another long-anticipated feature Apple added to iOS 14.5 can unlock your iPhone with your Apple Watch when wearing a face covering.
The Unlock with Apple Watch option allows users to use their Apple Watch as a secondary authentication method when Face ID cannot see their entire face due to a face covering.
This feature requires both an iPhone running iOS 14.5 and an Apple Watch running watchOS 7.4. Furthermore, your Apple Watch must be nearby, on your wrist, unlocked, and protected by a passcode. This option can be enabled in the Settings app by going to Face ID & Passcode and toggling on Unlock with Apple Watch.
Other iOS 14.5 Features
Apple introduced various other features in this update. AirTags are now trackable within the Find My app. Furthermore, on the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12, a Precision Finding feature guides users to a lost item using visual, audible, and haptic feedback.
Another notable feature allows crowdsourcing reports of accidents, hazards, and speed checks in areas in Apple Maps. This option will allow for earlier heads up at incidents that need to be avoided.
Moreover, the update introduced new emoji characters and skin tones to further diversify the selection.
Apple also added new voices to Siri, including two new English voices. By default, Siri no longer has a female voice.
Other new iOS 14.5 features include the following:
- ETA for walking/cycling directions
- AirPlay 2 for Fitness+
- Dual-SIM 5G support
- T-Mobile standalone 5G network support
- 5G data usage improvements
- Preferred music streaming service selection
- Game controller support
- iPhone 11 battery recalibration
- Apple Music changes
- Podcast app changes
- Reminders app changes
- News app changes
- Translate app changes
- Apple Watch iCloud toggle
To update your eligible Apple device, go to the Settings app, choose General, then select Software Update.
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