Apple Releases iOS 14.5 With Mask Unlock Feature and New Privacy Controls
Apple releases iOS 14.5, allowing users to unlock their iPhones with an Apple Watch while wearing a face mask. The update also introduces more diverse Siri voices and strict app tracking transparency features.
Apple releases iOS 14.5 as a free software update that allows users to unlock their iPhones using an Apple Watch while wearing a face mask. When a user glances at their locked iPhone with a masked face, the nearby and unlocked Apple Watch provides haptic feedback to confirm a successful unlock. This convenient feature works seamlessly with iPhone X and later models, as well as Apple Watch Series 3 and newer devices.
The update brings significant improvements to Siri by eliminating the default voice and introducing two new, more diverse voice options during device setup. These new English voices utilize advanced Neural Text to Speech technology to deliver an incredibly natural sound. Additionally, Siri gains the ability to initiate Group FaceTime calls, announce incoming calls through AirPods or compatible Beats headphones, and call emergency contacts when the user needs assistance.
iOS 14.5 also enforces App Tracking Transparency, a major new privacy control that requires apps to obtain explicit user permission before tracking data across other companies' apps or websites for advertising purposes. Users easily see which apps have requested tracking permission directly within their device Settings. The update further promotes inclusion by adding new skin tone options to better represent couples in emoji.