Apple Releases iOS 14.5 With App Tracking Transparency Privacy Feature
Apple has started rolling out iOS and iPadOS 14.5 to iPhone and iPad users. Among other things, the new update adds new anti-tracking features to the mobile operating systems.
Apple already announced the App Tracking Transparency feature last year. This requires users to give permission for each app to track their activities so that developers can display targeted advertisements. This is done via a pop-in, which is shown when the app is first opened. Users can also choose to reject this tracking request by default. That option can be found under “tracking” in the iOS privacy settings.
Several companies are protesting the new privacy options. According to app developers, opt-in tracking would cause a major drop in revenue. Facebook, among others, openly criticized the new privacy features from iOS 14. The company published an open letter last year in which it expressed its dissatisfaction with the features in various American newspapers, The Verge also writes.
In addition, iOS 14.5 adds a new option to unlock iPhones. Apple Watch owners can set up their iPhones to unlock without a PIN or Face ID when wearing this smartwatch. Among other things, this should ensure that users can unlock their phone more easily if they wear a face mask, so that Face ID does not work. The feature only works if users update their Apple Watch to watchOS 7.4. This update was also released on Monday.
Apple provides iOS 14.5 with new emojis. iPhones and iPads will also receive support for the PS5 and Xbox Series X and S controllers. The update also adds further features for Apple’s new Fitness+ service. Users can stream the audio and video streams of Fitness+ classes via AirPlay 2 to compatible televisions or other AirPlay 2 devices. iOS 14.5 also includes a function to calibrate the battery health of iOS devices.
The iPhone 11 and iPhone 12