iOS 14.5 is available to download now | Everything we know about Apple's new OS | Apple's latest update

You can download iOS 14.5 now. Here are some of the new features Apple's latest update includes.

The latest version of Apple's mobile operating system, iOS 14.5, finally arrived on Monday. Apple said after its product launch event last Tuesday that the updated OS would arrive sometime this week, alongside the new Apple AirTag tracker devices. 

iOS 14 was first launched in September, ahead of the release of the iPhone 12. While new versions of Apple's mobile operating system typically arrive once a month with new features and bug fixes, the latest version -- iOS 14.4 -- was released on Jan. 26. But iOS 14.5 is a larger update, and took longer to arrive.

Unlock your iPhone with the Apple Watch while wearing a mask

It’s been more than a year since the COVID-19 pandemic began and Apple is finally giving users the ability to unlock the iPhone using the Apple Watch while wearing a mask. With iOS 14.5 and watchOS 7.4 installed, open the Settings app on your iPhone, then look for the “Face ID & Passcode” setting. Once you flip this toggle, your Apple Watch will be able to authenticate your iPhone as long as the following conditions are met:

• Face ID detects a mask

• Your Apple Watch is nearby

• Your Apple Watch is on your wrist

• Your Apple Watch is unlocked

• Your Apple Watch has a passcode enabled

 

When is the iOS 14.5 release date?

iOS 14.5 was released on Monday, April 26 at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET). 

 

How do I download iOS 14.5? 

You should get a prompt telling you that iOS 14.5 is now available and asking if you'd like to download it. Or you can do the following: 

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Select General. 

3. Tap Software Update. 

Your device will connect to Apple's servers and prompt you to download and install the update. Follow the prompts to complete the installation. When your device reboots, it will be running iOS 14.5.

What devices are compatible with iOS 14.5?

iOS 14.5 will be compatible with all the same devices as iOS 14. Generally, these include the iPhone 6S ($250 at Best Buy) all the way up through the iPhone 12, along with the iPhone SE ($89 at Back Market) and the iPod Touch ($175 at Amazon) (seventh-gen).

 

What new features does iOS 14.5 include?

The latest version of iOS is going to bring several useful new features, including: 

Use Face ID on your Apple Watch to unlock your iPhone -- even when wearing a mask

Apple Watch owners can opt into a feature that lets you use Face ID to unlock your iPhone when your Watch is on and unlocked, even if your face is obscured by a mask. The Watch will provide haptic feedback letting you know your iPhone has been unlocked. 

Set a default music player of your choice

Apple Music might not have to be your default music player any longer. Instead, the first time you ask Siri to play something, it'll list all the music streaming services you have installed on your device. Simply choose which one you want to set as your default player, such as Spotify. 

More than 200 new emojis

iOS 14.5 includes 217 new emoji, including new skin-tone variations for popular emoji such as couples kissing. You'll also find new emoji like heart on fire, faces exhaling, faces in clouds and faces with spiral eyes. Changes have also been made to the syringe emoji, removing blood to make it more appropriate for depicting vaccines. 

Choose a new voice for Siri

In the latest iOS 14.5 developer beta, Siri will no longer default to a female voice. Instead, you will be prompted to choose the voice you prefer for the digital assistant. The OS will include two new voice options for English speakers. Here's how to make the change once you download the new OS.

More Siri updates

Siri will soon have the ability to call 911 for you, with a prompt of, "Hey, Siri, call emergency." You'll see a three-second countdown, giving you the option to cancel the request. 

Stream Fitness Plus workouts with AirPlay 

iOS 14.5 and WatchOS 7.4 will let Apple Fitness Plus users stream workouts directly to AirPlay 2-compatible TVs and devices.

App tracking transparency 

iOS 14.5 includes privacy changes that will require apps to ask for user permission before tracking data and activity (here's how to stop apps from tracking you with iOS 14.5). This builds on a change released in iOS 14.3, which lets you see what data apps collect before you hit download. 

Dual-SIM 5G global support

iPhone 12 users will have dual SIM support globally, which means you can take advantage of the phone's physical SIM slot and digital eSIM to have two lines of service on the same phone. This support was previously only available in mainland China. 

Console controller support

With the update, Apple added iOS and iPadOS support for PS5 and Xbox Series X controllers, so you can play games on your phone or tablet. 

You'll also find some design changes to the Podcasts, News and Reminders apps.