iOS 14.5 has a release date: everything you need to know about the new iPhone features that are coming

Finally we have a time frame for iOS 14.5 release, the latest version of Apple’s mobile operating system. It will arrive sometime next week, Apple said in a press release on Tuesday after its launch April product launch event, next to new Apple AirTag tracking devices.

iOS 14 was first released in September before launch iPhone 12. While newer versions of Apple’s mobile operating system usually arrive once a month with new features and bug fixes, the latest version – iOS 14.4 – was released on January 26. But iOS 14.5 is a bigger update and took longer to arrive.

If you can’t wait until next week, you can download the public beta right now to try it out. The latest version of the operating system will include new features that make it easier to unlock your phone while wearing a mask (as long as you own a Apple Watch) and which requires applications to request user permission before tracking data and activity. You will also find new voice options for Siri, which will no longer be a female voice by default.

Read more: WatchOS 7.4: 2 comes new Apple Watch features that people will love

Here’s everything we know about iOS 14.5 so far, including when it will generally be available for download and what new features you can expect. Plus, here they are the rumors I’ve heard about iOS 15.

Read more: The best iPhone features for iOS 14

When is the release date of iOS 14.5?

iOS 14.5 will generally be released sometime in the week of April 26, according to an Apple press release. We don’t know an exact day yet.

Meanwhile, iOS 14.5 is now available as a public beta. That means you can download it, but it may contain some errors, as Apple is still working on it before its final release. We do not recommend that you download any beta versions of the device that you use on a regular basis.

How do I download the iOS 14.5 public beta?

If you want to download iOS 14.5 beta publicly and try some of the new features (again, we recommend doing this on a device you don’t normally use, as there may be errors), you must first sign up for Apple Beta Software program. To do this, go to beta.apple.com/sp/betaprogram and click REGISTER. You will need to enter your Apple ID and password and agree to the terms and conditions. Touch iOS, and below You start, click on Sign up for your Apple device. From there you will find more instructions on how to do this.

Once you are part of the program, you can go to settings > Software updateand, when you see iOS 14.5 Public Beta, go to Download and install.

How do I download iOS 14.5 after it is generally available?

When it launches, you should receive a prompt telling you that iOS 14.5 is now available and asking if you want to download it. Or you can do the following:

1. Open settings application.

2. Select General.

3. Touch Software update.

Your device will connect to Apple’s servers and ask you to download and install the update. Follow the instructions to complete the installation. When your device restarts, it will run iOS 14.5. (Check out full instructions on preparing your phone and downloading iOS 14 here.)

Which devices are compatible with iOS 14.5?

iOS 14.5 will be compatible with all the same devices as iOS 14. In general, they include iPhone 6S ($ 450 on Boost Mobile) up to iPhone 12, along with iPhone SE ($ 160 on eBay) and iPod Touch ($ 179 Back Market) (seventh generation). For for the full list of iOS 14 compatible devices, click here.

What new features will iOS 14.5 include?

The latest version of iOS will bring several useful new features, including:

Use Face ID on your Apple Watch to unlock your iPhone, even when wearing a mask

Apple Watch owners will be able to opt for a feature that allows you use Face ID to unlock your iPhone when the watch is on and unlocked, even if your face is hidden by a mask. The watch will provide haptic feedback, notifying you that your iPhone has been unlocked.

Set a default music player of your choice

Apple Music may no longer need to be your default music player. Instead, the first time you ask Siri to play something, it will display everything music streaming services which you have installed on your device. Simply choose the one you want to set as the default player, such as Spotify. The update was first seen by Reddit users exploring beta versions of iOS 14.5 and was reported Monday by MacRumors.

Over 200 new emojis

iOS 14.5 will include 217 new emoji, including new skin tone variations for popular emojis, such as kissing couples. You’ll also find new emoji, such as flaming hearts, expiring faces, clouded faces, and spiral-eyed faces. Modifications of the syringe emoji have also been made, removing the blood to make it more suitable for describing vaccines.

Choose a new voice for Siri

In the latest beta for iOS 14.5 developers, Siri will no longer be a female voice by default. Instead, you’ll be asked to choose your preferred voice for the digital assistant. The operating system will include two new voice options for English speakers. There it is how to make the change after downloading the new operating system.

More Siri updates

Siri will soon be able to call 911 for you with a “Hey, Siri, call emergency” message. You will see a three-second countdown, giving you the option to cancel the request.

Stream Fitness Plus workouts with AirPlay

iOS 14.5 and WatchOS 7.4 will allow Apple Fitness Plus users submit workouts directly to AirPlay 2 compatible TVs and devices.

Transparency of application tracking

iOS 14.5 includes privacy changes that will require apps to request user permission before tracking data and activity. This is based on a change released in iOS 14.3, which allows you to see what data the applications collect before accessing the download.

Global dual-SIM 5G support

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

Console controller support

With the update, Apple adds support for iOS and iPadOS PS5 and Xbox Series X. controllers so you can play games on your phone or tablet.

You’ll also find some design changes in the Podcasts, News, and Reminders apps.

For more, see some of the the best hidden iPhone features I’ve found in iOS 14. And before making any operating system updates, make sure your iPhone and iPad are ready to do this.

Shelby Brown contributed to this story.