Apple Seeds has updated the first beta of iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5 to developers

Apple today seeded a new version of the upcoming iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5 updates to developers for testing purposes, with the new beta updates a few days after Apple released the first iOS and iPadOS 14.5 betas. This beta appears to be an update of the first beta rather than a second version.

iOS and iPadOS 14.5 can be downloaded from the Apple Developer Center or over the air after installing the correct profile on an iPhone or iPad.

iOS 14.5 is the biggest update to iOS 14 to date, with a number of important new features. First and foremost, Apple makes it easier to unlock an iPhone when wearing a face mask with a new “Unlock with Apple Watch” feature.

This opt-in option allows you to use an unlocked and verified Apple Watch as a secondary verification method to unlock an iPhone in addition to Face ID. With this feature, you no longer need to enter a password or remove your mask to unlock your ‌iPhone‌. Both an ‌iPhone‌ with iOS 14.5 and an Apple Watch are required to use this, and the Apple Watch cannot verify Apple Pay or App Store purchases or unlock third-party apps that use Face ID.

The update also includes global support for 5G in Dual-SIM mode on iPhone 12 models, so if you’re using multiple lines, both can now connect at 5G speeds. Previously, Dual SIM mode was limited to LTE networks.

With watchOS 7.4, iOS and iPadOS 14.5 include AirPlay 2 support for Apple Fitness +, so Apple Fitness + subscribers can start a workout on an ‌iPhone‌ or iPAd and then AirPlay it to a compatible smart TV or set-top box. ‌AirPlay‌ 2 supports audio and video, but does not display training data on the screen.

PlayStation 5 DualSense and Xbox Series X controllers are supported on the ‌iPhone‌ and the ‌iPad‌ running iOS 14.5, and the code suggests that Apple will add joint account support for the Apple Card in the near future.

iOS 14.5 is the update that will require Apple developers to adhere to the transparency rules for app tracking. In the future, developers will need to request and receive your permission to access your Random Advertising ID and track your activity on apps and websites.

Apple has adapted the design to the Apple News and Podcasts apps, and there are new printing and sorting options in Reminders. There are new emergency alert settings, a horizontal loading screen on the ‌iPad‌, and a host of other minor feature tweaks outlined in our full iOS 14.5 feature guide.