iOS 14.5 is out now, bringing tracker blocking and better face mask support to iPhone

Apple today released iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5, major new operating system updates for both the iPhone and iPad. The biggest new feature is arguably App Tracking Transparency. When using an Apple device, you now have a choice whether to allow apps to track your activity "across other companies' apps and websites" for advertising purposes.

You'll get a pop-up whenever apps try to share your activity this way, and the option to opt-in if you're okay with tracking. If you choose to opt out, you'll see less personalised ads. For example, you won't just suddenly start getting Telstra ads on Facebook if you've been on the Telstra website on your iPhone.

The feature has been somewhat controversial, given the ramifications it has for Facebook and Google's business models. Of course, App Tracking Transparency will only work on Apple platforms, and won't have any impact say if you're using Chrome on your Windows PC.

In addition, companies can still track your activity across multiple apps they own. Since Facebook owns Instagram, your Instagram activity will continue to impact what ads you see on Facebook and vice-versa.

iOS 14.5 also lets you unlock your iPhone with an Apple Watch if you happen to own one. The update lets you set any Face ID iPhone to unlock without requiring a facial recognition check or passcode provided your Apple Watch is on your wrist. This has been designed to help unlock your iPhone quicker when wearing a face mask. To use this feature, you'll need an Apple Watch Series 3 or better running watchOS 7.4, which also dropped today. Notably, watchOS 7.4 also enables ECG support for Australian users, now that the feature has regulatory approval.

Other key new features in iOS 14.5 include support for AirTags, a whole bunch of new emojis, more diverse voice options for Siri, 5G support while in dual SIM mode, and support for Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PlayStation 5 controllers.

To install iOS 14.5 or iPadOS 14.5, follow these steps:

• Open the Settings app
• Tap General
• Tap Software update

The update is a little larger than a gigabyte, but this may vary depending on your exact device.

Alex Choros

Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor | X | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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