Big day for app developers for Apple’s operating systems. The Cupertino giant has just released the “Release Candidate” betas of iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5, macOS Big Sur 11.3, watchOS 7.4, and tvOS 14.5, as well as an update to its software development interface, the Xcode 12.5 RC. Release Candidate is a version that is closest to completion of the latest versions of the systems.
The new beta versions of its software probably represent the latest, with the next release being the official launch of the versions under development with the collaboration of programmers since February this year.
If no safety or operational flaws are pointed out by the testers selected by Apple, the new software can be said to be stable and updated their respective devices soon. Otherwise, new builds will be made available for further testing. Check out the main new features below.
iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5 Features
For iOS 14.5, the feature that stands out the most is the restriction of user tracking – called App Tracking Transparency (ATT) – by third-party applications. With the new tool, the system will require that apps have the user’s permission before tracking their data generated on the internet or on the phone itself, in view of the questionable privacy offered by social networks. ATT will also be implemented on iPadOS 14.5.
The new version of the system is expected to make changes to the way that the iPhones 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max consume battery, increasing its useful life and enabling more efficient consumption. No changes were made to the latest iPhone models in this regard.
The Siri will have improvements and better integration with third-party apps, and fail to have a female voice as standard in the United States. The possibility of reporting traffic accidents for the Maps app and notifications of crowds, as well as other improvements in the system, will also take shape in version 14.5, which will have better integration with the Apple Watch.
watchOS 7.4 Features
With watchOS 7.4, the user will be able to unlock their iPhone or iPad using the smartwatch, since Face ID was impaired by the use of masks due to the pandemic. The facial unlock system will detect when the user is wearing a mask, allowing the device to be unlocked via a compatible Apple Watch connected to the cell phone.
The wearable will also see support for 5G connectivity in dual SIM mode, as well as the integration of AirPlay 2 with other devices so that users subscribing to Apple Fitness+ can play exercise media on smart devices in their home.
macOS Big Sur 11.3
The focus of the iMac and Macbook system update will be the company’s default browser. macOS Big Sur 11.3 will give Safari greater customization, allowing the user to organize sections of the most visited or saved sites to be displayed. Apple should also make new extensions available for developers to integrate their projects into the browser’s homepage.
In addition, Big Sur 11.3 will bring the long-awaited support for Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 joysticks for system navigation, which can be customized with a keyboard mapping.
With more than 200 new emojis, extra layers of security, better customization of features, and a new “Items” tab to find lost objects with an AirTag sensor through the Search app, the Apple ecosystem grows in functionality with the support of participants of the beta tester program, which will be able to download the release candidate betas from the official website soon.