Apple releases iOS 14.2, iPadOS 14.2, watchOS 7.1, tvOS 14.2 featuring new emoji and bug fixes
Wesley HilliardThe iPhone 12
Apple has released iOS 14.2, iPadOS 14.2, watchOS 7.1 and tvOS 14.2 to the public with new features like a dedicated Shazam button and new emoji.
The update comes after five developer beta cycles for testing. The update features over 100 new emoji with more inclusive options and more food and objects. Apple also included eight new wallpaper options including outdoor scenes and artistic pieces.
The updates can be installed on the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Apple TV via the usual update processes. While it can be set to run automatically, a manual update can be performed by opening the Settings app, selecting General, then Software Update. The Apple Watch must be charged to at least 50% and left on the charger in order to update.
The iOS 14.2 and iPadOS 14.2 updates added eight new wallpaper options, new emoji, and improved iconography across the operating system. The Home app gained some new icons with slight changes to how the house is shown in the icons. A new Shazam function was added to control center for quick song recognition that can be performed in the background.
As noted by security researcher Patrick Wardle, the update includes patches for three vulnerabilities that were operating in the wild.
Both tvOS 14.2 and watchOS 7.1 appear to be bug fixes only. watchOS 7 shipped with a bug that prevented the Apple Watch from unlocking the Mac, which is now fixed. ECG has been added for Russia and Korea.
iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 made changes including refreshing the Home screen and app interface, Messages and Safari, made major changes to Siri, added elements to Apple Maps, introduced Sound Recognition alerts, and CarKey support, among other changes. The next-generation tvOS 14 brings better picture-in-picture support, HomeKit Doorbell alerts and camera feeds, UI customization and more to Apple's set-top streamer.
Also along for the ride is the HomePod 14.2 software update. The HomePod 14.1 software update delivered the Intercom feature.
Amber Neely
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13 Comments
A dedicated Shazam button will be great!
and.....installed..... It was quick. It said 1.1GB, but my iPhone probably didn't need the full download....
HomePod intercom works much better in 14.2, though having it just one way when you're intercomming to one place is kinda dumb. Might as well just phone up whoever you're trying to talk to. Maybe they'll get around to changing that in iOS 20.
Finally time to upgrade from iOS 13 I reckon.