Earlier today, Apple seeded the first beta of iOS 14.5 to developers. And, as such, discoveries of what’s new are being made in the latest prerelease software.
Mask wearing is still an essential element for going out in public as the COVID-19 pandemic rages on. For folks who own an iPhone that relies on Face ID to unlock their handset, this can be a pain point. However, it looks like Apple has been working on a solution,
Given the need for frequent mask use, Apple has attempted to address this issue last May with an update that prompts Face ID to more quickly kick users into their passcode input screen when their faces are obscured. While a good idea in theory, the change wasn’t particularly elegant in practice.
Users will need to manually turn on this feature to make it work.
Beyond improving Face ID, iOS 14.5 also brings support for Xbox Series S/X and PlayStation 5 controllers to iPhones and iPads, along with expanded compatibility for Apple’s relatively new, on-demand Fitness+ workouts. Once the update is installed, the Fitness app will gain the ability to stream the audio and video of those workouts minus the exercise metrics gathered from the Apple Watch to third-party, AirPlay 2-compatible smart TVs. Perhaps most importantly, this beta will be the first to fully implement Apple’s App Tracking Transparency measures, which require app developers to explicitly seek consent before collecting a user’s Identification for Advertisers, a bit of code that allows companies to anonymously monitor your online and in-app behavior to serve you targeted ads.
