the 7 most important new iPhone functions in a row
Apple has released the first test version of iOS 14.5. This is not yet available for all iPhone users, but we do know which features are coming. Time to look ahead: iOS 14.5 will bring these features to your iPhone soon.
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iOS 14.5 functions: 7 new functions in a row
We have arrived at the fifth interim update for iOS 14. Where iOS 14.4 was modest in terms of new functions, Apple is doing quite well with iOS 14.5. In this article, we collect the biggest additions coming to your iPhone soon.
1. Unlock Face ID with a face mask on
The biggest addition in iOS 14.5 has to do with face masks. From now on you can unlock iPhones with Face ID with a face scan when you wear a mouth mask.
There is one big but: you do need an Apple Watch. Face ID facial recognition scans half of your face, the other half of the security is taken care of by the paired Apple Watch. Among other things, your watch must be unlocked for the new option to work.
→ Also read: New in iOS 14.5: Unlock Face ID with Mouth Mask on (if you have an Apple Watch)
2. Tracking codes
Starting with iOS 14.5, developers of apps and websites must ask users for permission to place trackers on their iPhone. These ‘tracking codes’ ensure that developers can map your internet behavior and earn money from it through personal advertisements and data trading.
When opening an app or website you will see a notification with the request to place trackers. You can allow or deny this. The new measure has generated a lot of resistance from the advertising industry. Facebook, among others, is openly critical of Apple’s new privacy policy.
→ Also interesting: Tim Cook attacks Facebook’s earning model for lack of privacy users
Using 5G on both iPhone 12 SIM cards
The iPhone 12 is the first Apple phone that can handle 5G. From iOS 14.5 it is possible to use the 4G successor with both SIM cards. The new software version offers dual sim support for 5G. A small side note here is that providers must support this option.
4. Game controller support
Do you have a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X at home? From iOS 14.5 you can connect the controllers of both consoles to your iPhone and play Apple Arcade games, for example. Extra cool is that the new version of tvOS can also handle the PlayStation and Xbox controllers. That way you can also game on your TV.
5. Siri can handle 112
You hope never to have to use the feature, but Siri can call emergency services for you soon. As soon as you say “Hey Siri, call the emergency services” a timer will start running on your iPhone. When it ends, the emergency services are called and you come into contact with the fire brigade, police or ambulance.
6. AirPlay 2 for Fitness Plus
Apple Fitness Plus has support for AirPlay 2 from iOS 14.5. The big advantage of this is that you can, for example, stream the sports videos to your TV, so that you can exercise in the living room. Fitness Plus is not officially available in the Netherlands. You can still use the paid fitness service via a detour.
7. Several apps have been given a fresh look
Apple also uses iOS 14.5 to give some apps a fresh look. Podcasts, among others, has been given a new design. The app now looks more like the Music app and puts more emphasis on the cover art of shows. Speaking of Music, that app gets a For You button that lets you find all your weekly playlists.
Finally, Apple has adapted the Reminders app. To-do lists will soon be able to be sorted in all kinds of ways, including on the basis of creation date and due date.
Release date of iOS 14.5
It is not yet known when the final version of iOS 14.5 will be released. It will probably take a few more weeks. After all, Apple still has to have the new version thoroughly tested by developers. Hold iPhoned to keep an eye on new iPhone update. It is best to follow us through the app or newsletter.
