Beta 1 of iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5 Released for Testing
Apple has released the first beta versions of iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5, watchOS 7.4, and tvOS 14.5.
The new betas arrive not long after the final versions of iOS 14.4 and iPadOS 14.4 became available to iPhone and iPad users.
A first beta for macOS Big Sur 11.3 is not yet available, but is likely to arrive soon as well, considering macOS Big Sur 11.2 update was just finalized and released to all Mac users.
iOS 14.5 beta 1 and iPadOS 14.5 beta 1 include a variety of small features, including the ability to unlock an iPhone using Apple Watch if you’re wearing a mask and Face ID isn’t working as expected (though you can follow these tips to improve Face ID while wearing a mask), support for PS5 controllers and Xbox Series X controllers, 5G dual-sim support for iPhone 12 models, and the beta build includes some privacy-focused features that require app developers to ask for permission before they can track the user. Beta system software is constantly under development however, so it remains to be seen if these features (or others) make the final release when it is eventually available to the general public.
iPhone and iPad users who are enrolled in the beta testing programs for iOS and iPadOS can download the iOS 14.5 beta 1 and ipadOS 14.5 beta 1 update from the Software Update mechanism on their devices.
Similarly, watchOS 7.4 beta 1 and tvOS 14.5 beta 1 can be downloaded via their respective software update mechanisms.
Apple usually goes through several beta builds before issuing a final version to the general public, which can help serve as an indicator of when a new software update is set to debut. In this case with the beta period just starting with beta 1, it’s likely weeks to months to be finalized.
