Apple Releases iOS 14.5, macOS Big Sur 11.3, watchOS 7.4:
May 7, 2021 | Mobile | No Comments
Overview
Apple has released software updates for all of its major platforms, including the iPhone, Mac and Apple Watch. The updates are rolling out to users worldwide. Here’s what’s new in Apple’s major software releases.
iOS 14.5 Features Now Available to Everyone
After a beta testing cycle that spanned nearly three months, iOS 14.5 is now available to everyone alongside iPadOS 14.5. You can update your iPhone or iPad by going to the Settings app, choosing General, then choosing Software Update.
1. Unlock iPhone with Apple Watch
Ability to unlock your iPhone X and later with Apple Watch Series 3 and later when you attempt to use Face ID while wearing a face mask.
you can set up the unlock with Apple Watch feature by going to Settings >Face ID & Passcode and turning on the Unlock with Apple Watch option on your iPhone.
2. AirTag Support
Support for AirTag to keep track of and find your important items like your keys, wallet, backpack and more. Lost Mode notifies you when your AirTag is found, and you can enter a phone number where you can be contacted
3. New Emoji
Support for separate skin tones for each individual in all variations of the couple kissing emoji and couple with heart emoji. New face emojis, heart emojis, along with different gender options for people with beards
4. Siri improvements
Siri now includes more diverse voice options. Incoming calls can be announced with Siri, including who is calling, when you’re wearing your AirPods or compatible Beats headphones, and you can answer hands-free. Group FaceTime calls are supported by asking Siri to FaceTime a list of contacts or a group name from Messages. Emergency contacts can be called by asking Siri.
5. App Tracking Transparency
App Tracking Transparency lets you control which apps are allowed to track your activity across other companies’ apps and websites for ads or sharing with data brokers. You can also apply the new privacy setting universally across all your apps by going to Settings > Privacy Tracking and turning off Allow Apps to Request to Track.
6. Podcasts and updates
Podcasts Show Pages are redesigned to make it easier to start listening. Option to save and download episodes, automatically adding them to your Library for quick access. Download behavior and notification settings can be customized on a show-by-show basis. Top Charts and popular categories in Search help you discover new shows.
7. 5G improvements
Dual SIM support enables 5G connectivity on the line that’s using cellular data on iPhone 12 models. Smart Data Mode improvements further optimize your experience on 5G networks for better battery life and data usage on iPhone 12 models. 5G international roaming enabled on supported carriers on iPhone 12 models.
8. News
Redesigned News+ tab enables Apple News+ subscribers to quickly find, download, and manage magazine and newspaper issues. All-new Search experience that helps you find relevant topics, channels, and stories
9. Maps
Accidents, hazards, or speed checks along your route can be reported by telling Siri on your iPhone or on CarPlay. Estimated time of arrival (ETA) can be shared when cycling or walking, in addition to driving, by asking Siri or tapping on the route card at the bottom of the screen, then tapping Share ETA.
10. Gaming (Expanded Controller Support)
- Xbox Series X S Wireless Controller or Sony PS5 DualSense Wireless Controller support with the iPhone and the iPad.
- The new controllers also connect to the Apple TV with the tvOS 14.5 update.
Best New Apple watch(watchOS 7.4) Features
To activate the feature, both the Apple Watch and the iPhone need to be running the latest version of their respective software and must be password-protected
*watchOS 7.4 the big change is the ability to unlock your iPhone while wearing a mask, without resorting to a passcode. That might sound like an iPhone feature, but it's powered by Apple Watch – so you need to be wearing your Apple Watch at the time, then just attempt to use Face ID with a mask on, and your iPhone should unlock.
* WatchOS 7.4 also brings AirPlay compatibility to Apple's Fitness Plus service so you can cast your workouts on even more screens.
* The Apple Watch will get many of the same features found in iOS 14.5, including the 217 new emojis and the option to change your default music0.
* watchOS 7.4 include the ability to stream audio and video content from Apple Fitness Plus to an AirPlay 2- enabled device
What’s new update in macOS Big Sur 11.3
macOS Big Sur 11.3 arrived on the same day as iOS 14.5. It offers many of the same features, and brings others to the Mac that were already enjoyed on iOS. The biggest changes are probably those coming to the M1 Macs, which will be able to access Touch Alternative settings so that they can mimic some of the gestures used on touch screens on their keyboard and mouse.
AirTag and Find My
Support for AirTag to keep track of and find your important items like your keys, wallet, backpack and more, privately and securely in the Find My app.The Find My network with hundreds of millions of devices can help you find your AirTag, even when it isn't nearby. Lost Mode notifies you when your AirTag is found, and you can enter a phone number where you can be contacted.
iPhone and iPad apps on Macs with M1
Option to change an iPhone and iPad app’s window size. Support for displaying the highest resolution version of an iPhone or iPad app in full screen.Keyboard support for iPhone and iPad games designed to use device tilt. Keyboard, mouse and trackpad support for iPhone and iPad games that support game controllers.
Emoji
Support for separate skin tones for each individual in all variations of the couple kissing emoji and couple with heart emoji. New face emojis, heart emojis, woman with a beard emoji.
Siri
Siri now includes more diverse voice options
Apple Music
Autoplay keeps music playing by automatically playing a similar song, once you’ve reached the end of a song or playlist. City charts showcase what’s popular in over 100 cities from all over the world.
Safari
Start Page section order can now be customized. Additional WebExtensions API lets developers offer extensions that replace the new tab page. Web Speech API lets developers incorporate speech recognition into their web pages for real-time captioning, dictation, and voice navigation. WebM and Vorbis video and audio format support
Reminders
Ability to sort Today Smart list.Support for syncing the order of reminders in lists across your devices. Option to print your reminder lists.
About This Mac
About this Mac displays Apple warranty status and AppleCare+ coverage in the Service tab when signed in with Apple ID. Support for purchasing and enrolling in AppleCare+ for eligible Mac computers from About This Mac.
Conclusion
So far, we have briefly discussed the best Apple features of ios 15.5, macOS 11.3 and watchOS 7.4. It is always best to do market research before delving into any final conclusions and options. We, as an iOS mobile app development company with 14+ years of experience, build interactive, secure, and scalable mobile applications that help start-ups, enterprises, and entrepreneurs to stay ahead of the curve in the competitive market.
