iOS 14.5 and watchOS 7.4 release today with tons of new features

Security is the name of the game in Apple's latest updates.

Georgia Dixon
Digital Content Editor
April 28, 2021
1 min read

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iOS 14.5 and watchOS 7.4 have finally launched after months of leaks and beta testing, bringing with them dozens of security fixes and a slew of long-awaited features for both iPhone and Apple Watch users. You can check out a full breakdown of the watchOS ECG and irregular heart rhythm notifications features here, and read on to see what to expect from the new iOS update.

iOS 14.5

Unlock with Apple Watch

More than a year after the beginning of the pandemic, iPhone users are finally able to unlock their device while wearing a mask - but there's a catch: you'll need an Apple Watch. Simply wearing your Apple Watch, unlocked and in close proximity to your iPhone, is enough to unlock it. The feature works with iPhone X and newer devices, and Apple Watch 3 and later.

Siri enhancements

Sick of Siri's voice? The iOS 14.5 update brings with it new voice options, with the previous female voice no longer set as default. There's now six accents to choose from: America, Australian, British, Indian, Irish and South African, with two new voices coming soon.

Siri is also now supported to initiate Group FaceTime calls, announce incoming calls through AirPods and compatible Beats headphones, and make calls to emergency contacts if the user is unable to make a call themselves.

Privacy controls

iOS 14.5 introduces App Tracking Transparency, which requires developers to ask the user's permission before tracking their data across apps and websites owned by other companies. In Settings, users will also be able to see which apps have requested permission for tracking and can revoke permission at any time.

New emojis

The 'kissing couple' and 'couple with heart' emojis both now include a greater range of skin tones. New emojis include 'face exhaling', 'face with spiral eyes', 'face in clouds', 'heart on fire', 'mending heart', and 'woman with a beard'.

Other new additions

  • Users can now report incidents in Apple Maps
  • Apple Podcasts redesign
  • AirTag support
  • Apple News features redesigned News+ tab
  • Apple Fitness+ users can now stream video and audio content to AirPlay 2-enabled TVs and devices
  • Reminders app debuts new sorting features
  • 5G improvements for iPhone 12 models
  • Voice Control for Accessibility

iPhone 13 plans

Thinking of getting an iPhone 13? Check out this week's most popular plans below.

Georgia Dixon
Written by
Georgia Dixon
Georgia Dixon has over seven years' experience writing about all things tech, entertainment and lifestyle, with bylines in TechLife magazine, 7NEWS and Stuff.co.nz. In her spare time, you'll find her playing games and daydreaming about good food, wine, and dogs.

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