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Apple issues seventh betas for iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5, tvOS 14.5, watchOS 7.4

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 [email protected].

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