iOS 14.5 Released: Unlock with Apple Watch, App Tracking Transparency & New Emojis

iOS 14.5 is Now Available: Unlocking with Apple Watch and More

Apple recently announced an upcoming iOS update at its event last week. Today, iOS 14.5 has been released to all users. This update represents a significant enhancement to the mobile operating system.

Unlock Your iPhone with Apple Watch

Perhaps the most anticipated feature is the ability to unlock your iPhone using your Apple Watch. This functionality expands the utility of Apple’s wearable technology. It also provides a solution for users who have been seeking an alternative to Face ID while wearing masks.

When a mask is detected, the iPhone will attempt to unlock via a paired Apple Watch (requiring watchOS 7.4). Users will receive a notification and a haptic feedback on their watch during the process.

Enhanced Privacy with App Tracking Transparency

A major improvement arrives in the realm of security with the introduction of app tracking transparency. This feature was previously detailed earlier this month.

Users should anticipate an increase in pop-up notifications, but these serve to protect user privacy.

What Else is New in iOS 14.5?

Here’s a comprehensive list of the additions:

Numerous new emojis have been added, including variations of kissing couples, fiery hearts, and options for greater gender inclusivity.
Siri receives updates, offering an additional voice option and the capability to initiate emergency calls.
Support for AirTag is now included.
The Apple Podcasts app has undergone a redesign.
Fitness+ can now be streamed to devices compatible with AirPlay 2.
Reminders can now be sorted by date, priority, and title.
Accessibility features for voice control have been improved.
Users can now report traffic incidents directly to Apple Maps using Siri voice commands, such as “There’s a crash up ahead” or “There’s something on the road.” Speed checks are also integrated.
The News+ tab has been reorganized for improved content discovery.