iOS 14 has been released since last fall, but Apple continues to add new features to its mobile software The next update, iOS 145, 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 145 public beta versions are also available

While privacy transparency is the highlight of the upcoming release, we found more iOS 145 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 145 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 145 is released in a few weeks

iOS 145 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 145 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 145 and watchOS 74, 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 145 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 145 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 145, 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 145 You will be able to pair it with your iPhone

iOS 145 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 145 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 145 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 145 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 145 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 145 is available