Apple released a new update to the system "iOS 14.5" for iPhone devices, which adds many new features, such as "Siri" updates, and support for the latest game controllers, but the most importantly, privacy updates.
New privacy changes included in the update have grabbed the headlines for months, and the update gives users more transparency and control over apps that seek to track them for the purpose of advertising.
Facebook was particularly concerned about the privacy change, as it might limit its ability to effectively target ads to iPhone users.
Here's an overview of the new features in iOS 14.5.
New privacy updates
IOS 14.5 includes the App Tracking Transparency feature that is expected to have major implications for the way mobile ads work.
A pop-up window appears when you open an application that wants to access your advertisers ’unique device identifier, and this pop-up asks if you want to be tracked, and explains why the app is asking you for this.
And many companies that rely on online advertising have said that changing privacy reduces the effectiveness and profitability of targeted ads.
Facebook has campaigned against this change, and it appears it may lose revenue as a result.
With Apple Watch, you can unlock the device when you are wearing a mask
Apple has added this feature to iOS 14.5, since its latest phones rely on the Face ID feature, which does not work when you wear a mask, so you can now set up Apple Watch to unlock your iPhone when you wear a mask.
Through Apple Watch, you can unlock an iPhone even if you are wearing a mask (French)
New voices for digital assistant Siri
Siri will no longer convert to female voice by default when setting up an iPhone, instead, you are prompted to choose from 4 default voices when launching your new iPhone.
Siri can announce calls with AirPods
Siri now announces calls via AirPods or CarPlay while driving and lets you talk to answer the call, depending on a feature in the phone that allows Siri to read your text messages through the AirPods.
Siri learns to play music from Spotify and other services
Siri starts learning to play the music or podcast service you use often, and runs your requests from that service, and you still can't change the default setting from "Apple Music" to "Spotify", but if you keep asking Siri to play music from Spotify, It starts with learning to operate it from there.
Playstation 5 and Xbox controllers support
IOS 14.5 provides Bluetooth support for PlayStation 5 (PS5), Xbox Series S, and Xbox Series X controllers that did not previously work with Iphone.
This means that people who have the new systems can play games with joystick support on iPhones and iPads.