[imagesource: David Grandmougin/Unsplash]

Earlier this week, Apple released the latest version of its mobile operating system, iOS 14.5.

New versions of Apple’s mobile operating system usually arrive once a month or so, but this is the first release since January 26, with the long wait time because of the increased features and upgrades added.

Updating is pretty simple – open the ‘Settings’ app, select ‘General’ and tap ‘Software Update’. You’ll then be prompted to download and install the update.

All phones from the iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus onwards are compatible with the update. If you’re rocking an older device, perhaps it’s time to consider trading it in and scoring a discount on your new device.

Let’s run through some of those features, with CNET quoted below.

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.

Great for those who are on the iPhone / Apple Watch double-up train, I guess, although the Apple Watch really does offer far more than masked-face unlocking assistance.

App tracking transparency 

iOS 14.5 includes privacy changes that will require apps to ask for user permission before tracking data and activity…

This builds on a change released in iOS 14.3, which lets you see what data apps collect before you hit download.

In less than a minute, you can change a setting that will boost your privacy and keep ads from following you across the internet – more on how to do that here.

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.

More than 200 new emoji

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.

That means more than 200 emoji for Boomers to misunderstand. They’re only now getting to grips with the fact that ‘LOL’ doesn’t mean ‘lots of love’.

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.

There are also design changes to the Podcasts, News, and Reminders apps.

Before you ask, no, you cannot change the length of the Clock App’s Alarm snooze duration.

A travesty, but we must soldier on.

Apple has the full list of every single feature and upgrade here, if you really want to deep dive.

[sources:cnet&apple]