Alongside the exciting iOS 14.5 update with support for the new AirTag accessory and Unlocking iPhone with Apple Watch, Apple also released other software updates across its product platforms – iPadOS 14.5, macOS Big Sur 11.3, watchOS 7.4 and tvOS 14.5. All the updates are available for compatible iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and Apple TV devices, respectively.
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It is no secret that the iPadOS is the iOS repackaged for iPads, hence most of the updates are the same. iPadOS 14.5 delivers support for the AirTag accessory and updated Find My app, 217 new emojis, Siri with diverse voice options and support for Group FaceTime, redesigned Apple Podcasts app with offline download support and App Tracking Transparency which puts the user in control of apps that track activities for ads and data sharing purposes.
Others include support for gaming controllers (Xbox Series X|S and Sony PS5), redesigned News+ tab and all new search experience in Apple News+, and bug fixes. The update is compatible with the following devices: iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th generation), iPad Pro 11-inc (1st, 2nd, 3rd generation), iPad Pro 10.5-inch, iPad Pro 9.7-inch, iPad (5th, 6th, 7th, 8th generation), iPad mini (5th generation), iPad mini 4, iPad Air (3rd and 4th generation) and iPad Air 2.
macOS Big Sur 11.3
The third major update to the macOS Big Sur delivers support for AirTag and Find My app, new emojis, redesigned news+ and new search in Apple News+ and optimizations for iOS apps on M1-powered Macs. It also brings additional features to Safari such as start page customisation and option for developers to incorporate speech recognition into web pages for functions such as dictation, real time captioning and voice navigation.
The Apple Music app now includes a new autoplay feature and the reminders app brings more organisation-focused features such as the option to print. Others include Hibernation support for Mac computers with M1 chip, support for the latest gaming controllers (Xbox Series X|S and Sony PS5) for use with macOS game and other bug fixes. The update is available for the following Mac models: MacBook (2015 or later), MacBook Air (2013 or later), MacBook Pro (Late 2013 or later), Mac mini (2014 or later), iMac (2014 or later), iMac Pro (2017 or later) and Mac Pro (2013 or later).
watchOS 7.4
Paired with iOS 14.5, the fourth major update to the WatchOS 7 brings the ability to replace Face ID or passcode with the Apple Watch while wearing a mask. The feature requires the eyes to be visible or part of the eyes to be uncovered and cannot be used with Apple Pay or App store purchases. The Apple Watch must be on the wrist, near the iPhone, unlocked and protected by a passcode.
watchOS 7.4 also delivers AirPlay 2 support for Apple Fitness+ users to stream content on AirPlay 2-enabled devices, ECG and irregular heart rhythm notifications (Australia and Vietnam). It is compatible with the following Apple Watch models: Watch Series 3, Watch Series 4, Watch Series 5, Watch SE, and Watch Series 6. The update requires iPhone 6s or later with iOS 14 or later.
tvOS 14.5
The fifth major update to tvOS 14 operating system delivers the new Color Balance feature highlighted during the launch of the latest Apple TV 4K. This feature, which is also available for existing Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K models, uses advanced sensors on the iPhone (iOS 14.5) to tailor the video output of the Apple TV in line with the industry standard used by cinematographers worldwide. It also brings support for the latest gaming controllers to play gampes from the tvOS app store and Apple Arcade.