Apple releases iOS 14.5 for iPhone with new privacy features and AirTag support

Apple has just released iOS 14.5 for the iPhone which brings a range of new privacy controls, Siri enhancements, AirTag support and other convenience feature for users.

The update is available now for iPhone users and can be found by going to Settings > General > Software Update and you should find the iOS 14.5 update there.

Click download and install to start the update – this should take about 20 minutes.

When you’re done, you’ll find a range of new features.

PRIVACY CONTROLS

The iOS 14.5 update brings with it App Tracking Transparency which will now ask you for permission before tracking your data across other apps and websites.

If you’re wondering why you see the same ads across platforms and social media sites – this is why.

This data is not personal information about you but markers on what you look at and search for online so they can increase their ad efficiency and send the ads you’d be more interested in.

The prompt will appear on the screen when you open an app or you can go into the Settings to set your tracking preferences.

UNLOCK iPHONE WITH APPLE WATCH

Customers with an Apple Watch to securely unlock their iPhones when trying to use Face ID if you’re wearing a mask.

During COVID having a face mask prevented the Face ID from working on the iPhone and we had to enter our passcode each time.

Now if you authorise your Apple Watch to unlock your iPhone, like you can with the iMac and MacBook, then your phone will unlock immediately.

SIRI ENHANCEMENTS

With this update, Siri no longer has a default voice and you can choose the voice that speaks to you when Siri is activated.

The new voices use neural text to speech technology for a more natural sounding voice.

Siri can now announce incoming calls through AirPods or compatible Beats headphones.

AIRTAG SUPPORT

Apple’s recently announced AirTags require iOS 14.5 for them to work.

With iOS 14.5, customers can pair and name their AirTags as well as locate them on the FindMy network.

iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 users will also be able to use the precision finding features thanks to the ultra-wide band compatibility of those devices.

APPLE PODCASTS APP

The Apple Podcasts app has been redesigned and to make it easier to find content from your favourite creators and to discover new shows to listen to.