APPLE’S new and highly controversial iOS 14.5 update is available right now.
The firm began rolling out the update on Monday, April 26 – and should be available for all users today.
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One of the biggest changes is the fact that your iPhone will let you block specific apps from tracking you across the web.
This has caused major controversy, particularly among heavy-tracking firms like Facebook.
Right now, apps can assign you with a unique advertising ID.
This can follow you around the internet – and across apps.
It’s ostensibly designed to make ads more relevant to you, but the scale of data collection means it’s bad for your privacy.
Apple has already scuppered this tracking on the Safari web browser, which has been able to block across-web tracking for a while.
But the new iOS 14.5 update will do the same thing for apps on your iPhone.
Around two-thirds of iPhone users are expected to opt out of app tracking to protect their privacy, according to a report from AdWeek.
It could impact free apps like Facebook and Instagram that heavily rely on hoarding user data to generate revenue.
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The update also adds support for Apple’s new Airtags.
AirTags, which attach to your belongings and can be tracked using your iPhone, will only work with devices running iOS 14.5 or higher.
They’re out April 30, meaning iPhone fans can safely assume that the software update will be released some time before then.
The download will introduce major changes including new emoji and the ability to unlock your mobile while wearing a mask.
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Other changes coming with iOS 14.5 include updates to Apple Maps, new voices for Siri and the introduction of six new emoji.
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Apple fans will also get a new way to unlock their mobile while wearing a face covering.
The feature is a clever way to get around now commonly-worn masks – which typically scupper your iPhone’s Face ID scanner.
If you use Face ID and your mobile spots that your mouth and nose are covered, you’ll soon be able to unlock it using your Apple Watch, instead.
The wearable gadget needs to be on your wrist and also unlocked. Simply move it close to your iPhone and, hey presto, your mobile will be unlocked.
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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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This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk
