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apple releases ios 14.2 with new emojis and an accessibility feature that locates people with lidar

AVATAR Romain Dillet
Romain Dillet
Senior Reporter
•November 5, 2020
Topics:accessibilityAppleHardwareiOSiOS 14iOS updateMedia & Entertainment
apple releases ios 14.2 with new emojis and an accessibility feature that locates people with lidar

Apple has launched iOS 14.2 today, delivering a range of new capabilities alongside essential bug resolutions and security enhancements. This update notably incorporates more than 100 fresh emojis.

The new emoji selection includes a transgender pride flag, a smiling face with a single tear, the pinched fingers gesture, depictions of two people embracing, various insects and animals, and a face with a disguise, among others. Regarding new options, users will find Mx Claus, a non-gendered alternative to Santa and Mrs. Claus. Traditional gender limitations for certain emojis have been removed; users can now send an emoji of a woman in a tuxedo and a man wearing a veil.

This release also introduces an accessibility improvement designed for visually impaired individuals using an iPhone 12 Pro or Pro Max. Utilizing the integrated lidar sensor, the iPhone can now identify people within the camera's field of view and determine their distance.

While particularly relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic, this feature remains beneficial afterward. It can alert users when someone approaches within a six-foot radius, and provide another notification if they move closer. In addition to audible stereo alerts, users can configure a haptic pulse that increases in speed as a person nears.

Devin Coldewey of TechCrunch provides further details regarding this new functionality:

iOS 14.2 also incorporates several smaller additions, such as new wallpaper options, notifications when headphone audio reaches a potentially damaging volume level, and a redesigned interface for AirPlay controls.

When the HomePod Mini was initially unveiled, Apple highlighted a new Intercom feature enabling communication with other Apple users within the same household. Today’s software updates extend Intercom support to the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, and CarPlay.

AirPods users can now activate optimized battery charging. This function mirrors the optimized battery charging available on iPhones. When AirPods are connected to a power source overnight, they will not charge at maximum speed. Instead, the iPhone will manage the charging process to reach 100% just before the user’s scheduled wake-up time, potentially extending battery lifespan.

Alongside iOS 14.2, Apple is also releasing iPadOS 14.2 and watchOS 7.1. Apple Watch owners in South Korea and Russia can now utilize the ECG functionality with compatible Apple Watch models.

Prior to initiating the update, it is recommended to back up your device. Ensure your iCloud backup is current by accessing the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad and selecting your account information at the top. Alternatively, you can connect your iOS device to a computer for a manual backup using iTunes or Finder. After completing the backup, navigate to the Settings app, then “General,” and finally “Software Update.”

The complete iOS 14.2 changelog is available here:

 

#iOS 14.2#Apple#emojis#LiDAR#accessibility#iPhone

Romain Dillet

Romain Dillet served as a Senior Reporter for TechCrunch until April 2025. He authored more than 3,500 pieces focusing on technology and emerging tech companies, becoming a recognized and respected commentator within the European technology landscape. His expertise encompasses a broad range of areas, including startups, artificial intelligence, financial technology, data protection, cybersecurity, blockchain technology, mobile technology, social media, and the media industry. Having spent thirteen years with TechCrunch, he became a well-known figure at the publication renowned for its comprehensive coverage of Silicon Valley and the broader technology sector – he initially joined TechCrunch at the age of 21. Situated in Paris, he is widely regarded by many within the technology community as a highly informed and insightful technology reporter. Romain has a talent for identifying promising startups at an early stage. He was the first journalist to report on Revolut, Alan, and N26. He also broke stories regarding significant acquisitions made by Apple, Microsoft, and Snap. Beyond his writing, Romain also possesses skills as a software developer, giving him a practical understanding of the technical aspects of technology. He also maintains a comprehensive understanding of the history of computing over the last half-century, allowing him to effectively analyze the connections between new developments and their broader societal impact. Romain is an alumnus of Emlyon Business School, a prominent French business school with a specialization in entrepreneurship. He has also contributed his time and expertise to various charitable organizations, including StartHer, which focuses on advancing education and empowerment for women in the technology field, and Techfugees, an organization dedicated to assisting displaced individuals through the use of technology.
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Romain Dillet