Already available to developers and public beta users, iOS 14.5 comes with exciting new features that promise a better experience for users everywhere. Among these are the new app tracking transparency policies, the ability to crowdsource traffic hazards via Apple Maps, and even the ability to unlock iPhones using Apple Watches. The new OS also includes updates to the Find My app, anticipating the release of AirTags and extending the users’ ability to track various belongings. All these new features make iOS 14.5 one of the most exciting updates to be announced in 2021.
This doesn’t mean, however, that everyone is excited about the changes to come. Facebook has openly denounced Apple’s App Tracking Transparency, saying the new policy “will have a harmful impact on many small businesses that are struggling to stay afloat.” The new feature will allow iPhone users to choose whether they want to be tracked by apps for third-party advertising, which might affect some companies’ ability to use their social media advertising budgets effectively. While Facebook may struggle to embrace these changes, iOS users everywhere have a lot to be excited about.
Coping with the Pandemic
The outbreak of COVID-19 is stressful enough on its own, and even more so for those who previously enjoyed using the facial recognition features available on their Apple devices. These users are reminded they wear a mask every time they try to unlock their devices, so it should come as no surprise they might derive less joy from using their devices than before. The ability to unlock an iPhone using an Apple Watch will allow them to use their smartphones without taking off their masks or entering passwords.
While the new feature does require an iPhone running iOS 14.5 and an Apple Watch running watchOS 7.4, it also provides users with a sense of normalcy, as well as the easiest and most convenient method of unlocking their devices while wearing a mask. The setup is also exceptionally easy. Users can enable the new feature in Settings, under Face ID & Passcode, by simply turning on the “Unlock with Apple Watch” option.
Building a Better Future on the Go
With the number of COVID-19 infections still rising in many countries around the world, a better Apple Maps app may now seem irrelevant. But while many people still travel less than before, drivers everywhere also enjoy using crowdsourcing traffic apps like Waze for safer journeys. Waze alone connects more than 130 million people everywhere, and it’s this ability to connect that ultimately helps people make better choices in traffic. This also inspired Apple to come up with a new feature for Apple Maps.
According to macrumors.com, iOS 14.5 comes with an upgrade for Apple Maps that enables users to report traffic hazards along their routes while getting directions. The app may be also able to predict traffic conditions en route and help users avoid traffic jams.
Better Transparency Policies
The fact that iOS 14.5 comes with new app tracking transparency policies may be the biggest change of the new OS and the most exciting for users around the world. This change will prompt app developers, such as Facebook, to ask their users for permission in order to access their advertising ID. As the ID is currently used to track users in apps and online, the upgrade will essentially put users in control of who is using their data and for what purpose. While this is a big step forward when it comes to both privacy and transparency, it doesn’t come without objections.
Facebook was among the first companies to accuse Apple of using the upgrade for its own profit, instead of privacy. According to the social media giant, the change “will force businesses to turn to subscriptions and other in-app payments for revenue, meaning Apple will profit and many free services will have to start charging or exit the market.” But while these concerns shouldn’t be ignored, it’s worth noting that the new feature seems to respond to a growing need for online privacy and data usage transparency that may become even more important as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds.
Key Facts About iOS 14.5
The new app tracking transparency policies, the ability to use an Apple Watch to unlock an iPhone, and the newly improved Apple Maps app are certainly the most interesting upgrades to come with iOS 14.5, but they are not the only ones. According to cnet.com, the new OS also features new options for setting a default music player, Dual-SIM 5G global support, and more than 200 new emojis. Maybe as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, Apple has also decided to upgrade Siri, making the virtual assistant able to call 911 after hearing a simple vocal command. All this, and more, make iOS 14.5 both exciting and well worth the wait.
