Apple iOS 14.5 Beta: Release Date, Tips to Download, New Features, New Emojis

The final version of iOS 14.5 expected to released sometime in February.

Release Date

iOS 14 was first released in September 2020, ahead of the launch of the iPhone 12. New versions of Apple's mobile operating system have come out once a month since then, with new features and bug fixes. The latest version -- iOS 14.4 -- was released on Jan. 26.

iOS 14.5 is likely going to arrive later this month; the public beta version is available right now. The latest version of the OS will include new features that make it easier for you to unlock your phone while wearing a mask (so long as you also own an Apple Watch ($169 at Amazon)), and that require apps to ask for user permission before tracking data and activity.

The latest version of Apple's operating system, iOS 14.5, is now available as a public beta. That means you can download it, but it may contain some bugs, as Apple is still working on it before its final release. We don't recommend downloading any beta on the device you use regularly.

Apple doesn't publicly announce when it will release a new version of iOS, but we can follow some clues. Since the developer beta for iOS 14.5 became available on Feb. 1, and the public beta shortly after, and releases come out roughly once a month, we can expect to see the final version of iOS 14.5 sometime in February.

Tips to download the iOS 14.5 public beta

If you do want to download the iOS 14.5 public beta and try out some of the new features (again, we'd recommend doing so on a device you don't typically use, since there could be bugs), you first have to sign up for Apple's Beta Software Program. To do that, go to beta.apple.com/sp/betaprogram, and click Sign Up. You'll have to enter your Apple ID and password, and agree to the terms and conditions. Tap iOS, and under Get Started, click Enroll your Apple device. From there you'll find more instructions on how to do so.

Once you're part of the program, you can go to Settings > Software Update, and when you see iOS 14.5 Public Beta, hit Download and Install.

How to download iOS 14.5 when it's available?

When it's released, you should get a prompt telling you that iOS 14.5 is now available and asking if you'd like to download it. Or you can do the following:

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Select General.

3. Tap Software Update.

Your device will connect to Apple's servers and prompt you to download and install the update. Follow the prompts to complete the installation. When your device reboots, it will be running iOS 14.5. (Check out our full instructions on preparing your phone and downloading iOS 14 here.)

New Features

MUSIC APP

The Music app switched to pop-over menus, which don’t obscure the whole UI. A quicker way to tweak playlists was added as well – you can swipe left or right on a track.

BACK GESTURE

Options on the left let you move the track up or down, the ones on the right add or removes a track. The users that tried it report that the software doesn’t confuse this with the Back gesture. You can also share part of a song’s lyrics.

UNLOCK EVEN IF WEARING FACEMASK

Apple Watch owners will be able to opt into a feature that lets you use Face ID to unlock your iPhone when your Watch is on and unlocked, even if your face is obscured by a mask. The Watch will provide haptic feedback letting you know your iPhone has been unlocked.

DUAL SIM 5G GLOBAL SUPPORT

iPhone 12 users now have dual SIM support globally, which means you can take advantage of the phone's physical SIM slot and digital eSIM to have two lines of service on the same phone. This support was previously only available in mainland China.

SIRI CAN MAKE EMERGENCY CALL

Siri now has the ability to call 911 for you, with a prompt of, "Hey, Siri, call emergency." You'll see a three-second countdown, giving you the option to cancel the request.

EMOJIS

We now have a full look at the Unicode Consortium’s Emoji 13.1 release set to arrive with the upcoming Apple iOS 14.5 update. Aside from providing more skin tone options to increase inclusivity, new emojis include new smiley faces and hearts.

Most notably, along with more options for the “Person:Beard, “Man:Beard” and “Woman:Beard,” the “Couples Kissing” and “Couples with Heart” emojis will also feature more skin tone combinations to represent more pairings. While new emojis include an “Exhaling Face,” “Face with Spiral Eyes,” “Face in Clouds,” “Heart on Fire” and “Mending Heart.” Updates include the addition of a helmet to the Rock-Climbing emoji, while the Blood Syringe will become a Vaccination Syringe and the simple Headphones will now be modeled after Apple‘s AirPods Max.

Stock Price Today (February 18): Updates and Forecast Stock Price Today (February 18): Apple's stock price could soar by 66% to $225 as it seeks a partner to help build electric vehicles.

Best Tips and New Ways to Unlock iPhone with Face ID while wearing a Face Mask Apple tests new way to unlock an iPhone without removing a face mask. However, It only works if you own an Apple Watch. Read on ...

Facts about Apple Car and Its 'Breakthrough Battery Technology'? Facts about: The car project appears to be back on and Apple Car could begin production in 2024 with ‘breakthrough battery technology’.

Facts about AirPods Max: Release date, price, features What is and Facts about AirPods Max: The first Apple-branded over-ear headphones has been introduced with cutting-edge features, stunning designs and launch date have made ...

14 Must-known Facts about Apple Are you interested in amazing fun facts about one of the most well-known companies worldwide - Apple and its products: the iPhone, the iPad and ...