Malcolm Owen
Apple has reached the seventh round of betas for its operating systems, providing developers with new builds of iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5, tvOS 14.5, and watchOS 7.4 to try out.
The updated builds can be downloaded through the Apple Developer Center for anyone signed up to the developer test program, though devices already running the betas can also undergo an over-the-air update. Public Betas usually follow a short time after the developer variants, via the Apple Beta Software Program website.
The seventh betas follow after the sixth, released on March 31, and the fifth from March 23. For reference, the first round of betas were released on February 1.
The big change in iOS and iPadOS 14.5 is the rollout of App Tracking Transparency. The ability for the Apple Watch to assist with Face ID unlocking on iPhones where a mask interferes with identification has also featured in previous betas.
Other changes in the betas include support for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X game controllers, AirPlay 2 streaming support for Apple Fitness+, Apple Music refinements, and over 200 new emoji.
The HomePod also got a new beta update for the closed beta testers. It runs tvOS and version 14.5 beta 7 can now be downloaded.
AppleInsider, and Apple itself, strongly suggest users avoid installing betas on to "mission-critical" or primary devices, due to the potential for data loss or other issues. It is instead recommended to install betas onto secondary or non-essential devices, and to ensure there are sufficient backups of important data beforehand.
Find any changes in the new betas? Reach out to us on Twitter at @AppleInsider or @Andrew_OSU, or send Andrew an email at andrew@AppleInsider.com.
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2 Comments
Can you guys finally publish build numbers along with the news?
e.g. my AppleTV has the beta profile installed, but doesn’t find an update. Maybe it did automatically update, maybe the servers have a lag.
Same issue when I have the GM installed, and then the final release is out. Sometimes it’s the same build, sometimes it’s not, because minor changes were made. Without build numbers being published, it’s impossible to tell.
I’m wondering and concerned about the iPhone 11 series battery issues. The iOS 14.5 Battery Calibration Utility seems like it wouldn’t be necessary unless there’s an inherent issue with the batteries in these iPhones.
I have an iPhone 11 Pro. The battery life is the worst of any iPhone I have ever owned. I start the day with a fully charged battery. At 8:30 pm I’m down to 20%. This is a daily occurrence. I’ve shut down anything that isn’t necessary that might use battery except Bluetooth to my Apple Watch.