avatarNikhil Vemu

Summary

iOS 14.5 introduces significant privacy enhancements, including App Tracking Transparency (ATT), anonymous browsing through Apple's proxy server, and Mask ID for face recognition while wearing a mask, alongside other updates like battery health recalibration, support for AirTags, 217 new emojis, dual-SIM 5G support, and new Siri voices.

Abstract

The upcoming iOS 14.5 update is poised to be a substantial upgrade, emphasizing user privacy with features like ATT, which allows users to control app tracking, and a new proxy server that masks user IP addresses for safer browsing. The update also addresses the inconvenience of face recognition while wearing masks by introducing Mask ID, which works in tandem with an Apple Watch. Additionally, iOS 14.5 offers battery health recalibration for the iPhone 11 series, support for the newly announced AirTags, a diverse array of 217 new emojis, dual-SIM 5G connectivity, and a selection of new Siri voices. These enhancements collectively position iOS 14.5 as a significant milestone in Apple's commitment to user privacy and security, while also providing functional improvements and new features that cater to the evolving needs of users.

Opinions

  • The author suggests that the ATT feature is a significant win for user privacy, potentially at the expense of ad revenue for companies like Facebook and Google.
  • There is an opinion that Apple's new proxy server feature enhances user security by preventing the sharing of IP addresses and browsing habits with third parties.
  • The Mask ID feature is seen as a timely solution to the challenges posed by mask-wearing during the pandemic, with the author noting its convenience for iPhone users.
  • The battery health recalibration is viewed as a valuable tool for maintaining the longevity of iPhone batteries, although it is initially limited to the iPhone 11 series.
  • The introduction of AirTags and their associated anti-stalking feature is presented as a positive step in personal item tracking, with a focus on user safety.
  • The update's inclusion of 217 new emojis, including more diverse representations, is celebrated, although the author questions the necessity of a "women with beard" emoji.
  • The author highlights the update's support for dual-SIM 5G and new gaming controller compatibility as enhancements that cater to the needs of modern smartphone users.
  • The addition of new Siri voices and the option to choose different voices is seen as a move towards inclusivity and diversity.
  • Overall, the author positions iOS 14.5 as a landmark update in terms of privacy and security, suggesting that it sets a new standard for operating systems.
Image created by the author (With pictures under CC license)

iOS 14.5 Looks like the Next “Hottest” Update after the Very First iOS 14 – Here’s why.

Hot in Privacy. Hot in Emoji. Hot in Mask ID.

Apple types ‘Big Bang’ in the Vice City game of privacy. If you haven’t played it, the cheat code actually blasts all the vehicles that intrude in your way.

So that means, in this big update, Apple made plans to give freedom to the users to choose whether they want apps to track their activities or stay private, much to the dismay of Facebook and Google.

Here’s all what Apple is bringing to us chiefly in the upcoming coveted update iOS 14.5.

#1. ATT (App Tracking Transparency) Framework:

Photo by Paweł Czerwiński on Unsplash

This is a long-awaited feature by most users, not only of Apple. We’ve been constantly giving our data to tech companies without knowledge by our searches or the type of content we often consume.

They would then recommend favourable content and enable personalised ads. This is a cool facility, but some perceive it to be a threat to their privacy. Now, Apple brings ATT to the upcoming update so the users can choose between allow and block ad tracking across their device.

As obvious, ad companies like Facebook are pouring scorn on this feature as they are at risk of getting lesser data, giving inaccurate recommendations, and ultimately losing ad revenue.

#2. Masking IP, thereby Safer Browsing through Apple’s Own Proxy Server

Photo by Jungwoo Hong on Unsplash

Google has been using AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages) to make browser sites feel much like native apps. Sounds cool? Yeah! It would also defend you from malware or phishing attacks, but this would share your IP address and webpage you’re in, to Google, which many didn’t feel secure. Do you?

Now Apple’s new feature actually processes all its users’ browsing through its own servers, and makes it appear for Google like they’re coming from the same IP address. Thereby not revealing your identity.

Apple users are getting excited for this new feature as their privacy is lot more valued in iOS 14.5.

#3. Mask ID

Photo by visuals on Unsplash. Modified by the author.

This pandemic situation made unlocking easier for users with Touch ID devices than users with Face ID devices. This nearing update brings a facility for iPhone (≥X) users to unlock like before.

It needs Apple watch in unlocked state to measure Bluetooth strength and heartrate so it could ensure it’s in the hands of its owner, and would unlock just with half-face visible, while the other half is covered by mask.

For much detailed explanation, go through this piece:

#4. Battery Health Recalibration:

Battery recalibration messages (Source: Apple).

This feature first appeared on iOS 14.5 Beta 6. While ‘Battery Health’ check facility is already present from long before, this updated version would be able to fix inaccurate estimates of battery health.

However, Apple says this would be available only on iPhone 11 family for now, not even in the latest iPhone 12 family. Reason unknown.

#5. The new ‘AirTag’ Support

Source: Apple

The cheapest Apple equipment, AirTags ($29) were officially announced in the Spring event on April 20, 2021. Now iOS 14.5 brings support for those little devices.

AirTags let you track your belongings fitted with them using your iPhone. Also, it brings ‘Anti-Stalking’ feature. As the name explains, it warns if some unrecognised AirTag tries to track your location. A security feature.

#6. 217 New Emojis

iOS 14.5 brings 217 new emojis.

These include new set of couples, new smileys, new hearts, women with beard (why do we need this?).

I’d like to mention these two new emojis specially:

  • The first emoji was originally 🎧 (black headphones), but now Apple wants it to resemble its new AirPods Max.
  • The second emoji was firstly 💉 (blood oozing out from a syringe). Now Apple modifies it to describe Covid-19 vaccine.

These six major changes make up the lion’s share of iOS 14.5 update log.

Here are some other cool features in iOS 14.5

#7. Dual-SIM 5G Support:

When iOS 14.5 lands on your device, you’ll be able to access 5G speeds on both of your SIMs.

#8. Support for PS5 and Xbox Series X

iOS 14.5 lets you pair your iPhone with PS5 and Xbox Series X controllers.

#9. New Voices for Siri:

Source: Apple

iOS 14.5 lets you choose between different voices of Siri, removing the default set of female voice. It also brings two new voices of Siri in American English.

Conclusion:

While the little updates come up every time, the freedom to choose between two distinct options of app tracking is really awesome. It makes iOS 14.5 the most secure and privacy-focused OS ever.

 More Apple stories by me:

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