Technology
Huge new iPhone update could land TOMORROW – and will ‘let you unlock phone with mask on’
A MAJOR software update could land on iPhones across the globe tomorrow.
The iOS 14.5 download is expected to introduce some big changes, including new emoji and the ability to unlock your mobile while wearing a mask.
Apple’s iOS 14.5 update is expected to introduces some big changes to the iPhone[/caption]
It’s heavily rumoured to be launching this month, and could land alongside a hotly-anticipated Apple event on April 2, TechRadar reports.
The company is thought to be launching a new iPad Pro, the iPad 6 Mini and other gadgets at the “Spring Loaded” showcase.
Rolling out the new version of iOS in tandem with its gadget event would match what Apple has done in the past, according to Tech Radar.
The iPhone-maker launched iOS 12.2 at its 2019 spring event, for instance, alongside gizmos like the iPad Mini5 and iPad Air 2019.
Apple is adding the ability to unlock your iPhone while wearing your mask, using your Apple Watch[/caption]
The company didn’t host a Spring event in 2020, meaning it didn’t have the opportunity to replicate the feat last year.
It’s not the only indicator that iOS 14.5 will arrive tomorrow.
Apple has been rolling out early “beta” versions of iOS 14.5 to app developers for weeks now.
The firm released the eighth – and what is believed to be final – version of the beta last week, indicating that a public release is around the corner.
Apple is also currently in the process of updating older apps with new signing certificates, according to TechRadar.
The company typically makes these updates ahead of the release of new versions of iOS.
iPhone tricks to try today
Here are some of the best…
- Typing cursor – When typing, hold down the space bar to turn your keyboard into a trackpad, letting you move around words and sentences more easily
- Close all Safari tabs – To do this in one go, simply hold the overlapped squares in the bottom right-hand corner, and press close all tabs
- Delete lots of photos quickly – Hold down on a photo and then drag your finger diagonally in Photos to select lots of images at once, then hit delete
- Convert currency quickly – Swipe down from the top of your Home screen (or swipe left to right on an iPhone X or later model), then tap in the bar and type a currency (like $200) and it will automatically covert to your local currency
- Check if you’re due a battery upgrade – Batteries inside smartphones degrade over time. Just go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health, and check out the Maximum Capacity reading. Generally a battery is considered worn when you’re down to 80% capacity. If you’re below, you can buy a battery swap from Apple
- Move apps around faster – Hold an app until it starts wiggling, then (while still holding) tap other apps, causing them to stack so you can move them around easier
Chances are that Apple will announce the release date of iOS 14.5 tomorrow and then begin rolling the software out by the end of the month.
A number of major upgrades are expected to drop with the update.
They include updates to Apple Maps, new voices for Siri, six new emoji and support for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X controllers.
Apple fans will also get a new setting that allows them to unlock their mobile using their Apple Watch instead of Face ID.
The change will let people wearing a face covering access their mobile without having to remove their mask or plug in their passcode.
Of course, we won’t know for sure whether iOS 14.5 is coming tomorrow until the Spring Loaded event kicks off at 1pm ET (6pm BST) on April 20.
Most read in Phones & Gadgets
In other news, Apple experts have leaked some interesting details about the 2022 iPhone lineup.
Facebook is trialling a video call speed dating app called Sparked.
And, Google is bringing out a feature to help Android users avoid collisions while texting and walking.
Are you excited for iOS 14.5? Let us know in the comments!
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