iOS 14 has been released since last fall, but Apple continues to add new features to its mobile software. The next update, iOS 14.5, is currently in beta. Apple has already distributed this beta to developers, giving them a strict timeline to implement the new app tracking transparency requirements into their apps. iOS 14.5 public beta versions are also available.

While privacy transparency is the highlight of the upcoming release, we found more iOS 14.5 features worth noting. Among them, Apple added a way to use Face ID to unlock an iPhone while wearing a mask. This workaround uses the Apple Watch for biometric authentication.

We dug into the iOS 14.5 beta to find the most important additions, but this is not a final list. It is possible that Apple will continue to add or tweak features before the final version of iOS 14.5 is released in a few weeks.

iOS 14.5 is currently available for download as a public beta. If you wish to try the beta version, we recommend trying it on a secondary device. We expect the final version of iOS 14.5 to be released this month.

We all learned about the shortcomings of Face ID when the COVID-19 pandemic broke out. Face masks confused the Face ID sensor and forced people to manually unlock their iPhones in the last year or so. Thankfully, Apple has found a workaround, but it comes with one major caveat.

Unlocking with the Apple Watch is a perfect example. Apple's wearable can be used to unlock an iPhone bypassing Face ID. Both devices must be in very close proximity to each other, otherwise they must be unlocked manually; the Apple Watch must also be unlocked.

Once you get iOS 14.5 and watchOS 7.4, you can access Face ID and Passcode in Settings; remember that you cannot use Unlock with Apple Watch to authenticate Apple Pay or App Store purchases I want you to. These authentications will continue to require a face or passcode.

iOS 14.5 adds a new app tracking transparency policy, which is a major change that Apple has been planning to roll out since it launched iOS last summer. app developers like Facebook need to get your permission to access your ad ID This ID will allow them to access your ads across apps and websites. This ID will allow them to track you across apps and websites.

Some of these privacy features already exist in iOS 14, but 14.5 is the deadline for app developers to implement new policies before their apps are removed from the App Store.

When everything goes live, you will see a new pop-up asking if you want your app to track you. Apple is once again going for pure simplicity. This is a huge step forward for privacy, and we're excited to see it happen.

In iOS 14.5, Apple Maps is set to copy popular key features from Waze; Apple Maps will be able to crowdsource traffic accidents, speed traps, and other traffic hazards, just as its main competitor It plans to use drivers. Maps will have a dedicated button to report something, and will be available for both phone and CarPlay.

iOS 14 will allow users to choose their default browser and email app. Continuing that momentum, Apple is looking to release a bit more of its dominance by allowing users to choose their own default music streaming app.

When you ask Siri to play a song, it will open whatever app you set up, including Spotify. In other words, you don't have to specify which app to play the song; Siri will use the app you have set as the default.

Both the PS5 and Xbox Series X are in short supply, but new controllers are easy to get your hands on: if you have either the PlayStation 5 DualSense or Xbox Series X|S controller, iOS 14.5 You will be able to pair it with your iPhone.

iOS 14.5 will enable AirPlay 2 support for Apple Fitness Plus, allowing users to cast their workouts to AirPlay 2 compatible displays.

Note that Apple Watch metrics are not displayed on a larger screen; you must view these data points on an iPhone or iPad.

Dual SIM iPhone users can use 5G globally on the iPhone 12 series with iOS 14.5. Dual SIM means that two separate lines are available on one device. This is ideal for people who have separate lines for work and personal use, or for international travel.

When iOS 14.5 is released, both SIMs will be able to use full 5G speeds.

Although we didn't cover it here, this update includes many tweaks and new additions. Apple plans to make this release a big one, and we look forward to seeing it on the iPhone and iPad.

Those who don't want to wait for the finished version of iOS 14.5 can get the public beta now by signing up for Apple's beta program. The process is simple: simply access Apple's beta page from the browser of the device on which you want to install the beta. From there, sign in with your Apple ID and register your iPhone with the program. Then follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the beta profile on your iPhone.

The usual caveat is that while the iOS 14.5 beta is fairly stable, it is still a beta version and problems can still occur. If you rely heavily on your phone during the day, you may not want it to be subjected to the vagaries of beta software. If so, hold out until the final version of iOS 14.5 is available.