Apple today released iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 beta 5 to developers. These updates don’t include as many changes as the previous betas did, but they do include a handful of smaller tweaks. Head below as we roundup everything knew in iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 beta 5.
With the fifth betas of iOS 15 and iPadOS 15, Apple is focusing more on refinement than major changes. There are no major changes to the controversial Safari redesign in this beta, unlike the previous releases.
iOS 15 beta 5 features the build number of 19A5318f. Developers can update from beta 4 via the Settings app. Open the Settings app, choose General, then choose Software Update.
iOS 15 is also available to public beta users, but no new beta has been released to those users this week. It’s possible that the next iOS 15 public beta build is released later today or tomorrow, but a release next week is not out of the question. Apple has also not released new betas of macOS Monterey or watchOS 8.
What’s new in iOS 15 beta 5?
The Weather app has a new icon that adds depth, making it similar to the Maps icon in iOS 15
New onboarding screens for the Maps, Home, and Photos applications
In iPadOS 15 beta 5, Apple has made a small change to the Safari interface, so the address bar is now outlined instead of filled in
Safari
iPadOS 15 beta 5 also brings a new “Use Large Icons” setting to the “Home Screen & Dock” area of the Settings app. This was previously located in the “Display & Brightness” settings area
In the Settings app under Safari then Accessibility, there is a new option for “Show Color in Top and Bottom Bars”
New tappable message for “iPhone Findable After Power Off”
Tweaks to the “Notifications while in Focus” design in Notification Center
According to Apple’s release notes: “Legacy Contacts has been removed from iOS & iPadOS 15 beta 5 and will return in a future release.”
New indicator in the App Store for when you have a TestFlight beta version of an app installed
Apple introduced iOS 15 beta 2 and iPadOS 15 beta 2 to developers, which are the first updates since the initial release at WWDC 2021 earlier this month. Now that we have the new betas in our hands, here’s a look at what’s new in today’s updates.
Not available for some devices
According to the iPadOS 15 beta 2 release notes on the Apple Developer website, today’s release cannot be installed on the Wi-Fi + Cellular version of the 9.7-inch iPad Pro. The reason is unknown, but probably Apple found some serious issue and chose to skip this release for the affected iPad models.
Bug fixes for iCloud Private Relay
iCloud Private Relay makes web browsing more secure for iCloud subscribers, but this feature was causing some problems for users in beta 1. According to Apple in today’s release notes, iOS 15 beta “resolved an issue that caused iCloud Private Relay to function unexpectedly.”
New Maps icon
Apple revealed a new icon for its Maps app at WWDC 2021, but it was not included in iOS 15 beta 1. Now with beta 2, the new Maps icon is there. It also shows animated driving directions within the app.
Apple also mentioned earlier this month that Memojis would be updated with new looks, including the option to set a custom outfit. These options are now available with iOS 15 beta 2.
Welcome screen in the Weather app
When you open the Weather app in iOS 15 beta 2 for the first time, you will now see a welcome screen highlighting its new features and refreshed design.
Quick Note on iPad
Quick Note was already available in iPadOS 15 beta 1, but now with beta 2 users can swipe from the bottom right corner to trigger Quick Note.
Apple’s iPadOS 15 features page claims that you’ll be able to swipe a finger to access Quick Note, but this doesn’t seem to work in Dev 1. Hopefully it makes into a future update because I don’t always carry my Pencil. (Or it’s often out of charge. 😂) pic.twitter.com/PinUT70VZF
SharePlay is a new feature to let users share a song, video, or even the screen of their devices during a FaceTime call. This feature is now working with iOS 15 beta 2.
Lossless on HomePod removed
Apple has removed the option to enable Lossless audio on HomePod with iOS 15 beta 2. Previously there was an option to stream Lossless songs on HomePod within the Home app. Most likely this option has been temporarily removed due to some issue and will return in a future release.
Safari
Apple has brought back the Refresh button for the Safari address bar, but it only shows up when using a mouse or trackpad.
The Shortcuts app can now see what is displayed on the screen for receiving input from an app without the share sheet.
Also new in iOS/iPadOS 15 beta 2: Shortcuts, like Siri, can see what's displayed on screen.
There's a new 'Receive What's On Screen' option for Shortcuts. Enable this, and a shortcut will receive input from an app without the share sheet. Right now, it works in Safari. pic.twitter.com/wxrzDlavbY
Two weeks after unveiling iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 to the public at WWDC 2021, Apple is rolling out the second developer betas. iOS 15 beta 2 and iPadOS 15 beta 2 are now available to registered developers ahead of a public beta release in July and a release to everyone in the fall.
iOS 15 beta 2 details
iOS 15 beta 2 and iPadOS 15 beta 2 are available to developers via an over-the-air update in the Settings app. As usual, if the update does not immediately appear for download, keep checking, as it sometimes takes a few minutes to roll out to all registered developers. The build number for today’s iOS 15 beta 2 release is 19A5281h .
Apple’s new software version won’t be complete until the fall, at which point it will be released to the general public. Testers should still expect performance and stability issues when running the iOS 15 beta on primary devices for the time being.
In addition to the second developer betas of iOS 15 and iPadOS 15, Apple is also releasing tvOS 15 beta 2 for Apple TV and HomePod and watchOS 8 beta 2 for Apple Watch. The second beta of macOS Monterey is not yet available.
Apple Inc. will debut major software updates for the iPhone and iPad at its developers’ conference on June 07,2021 to an audience that has grown increasingly critical of the company’s App Store policies.
The virtual event beginning June 07,2021 will also include software updates for the Mac, Apple Watch and Apple TV as well as tools developers can use to build apps. The company plans to discuss new privacy protections for limiting data collection as well as health-tracking, notifications and messaging features. Executives also will promote significant improvements to iPad software, making the device more capable and appealing to more advanced users.
This year’s conference arrives while Apple is facing criticism from some developers over its App Store policies. The controversy was highlighted by a three-week trial last month of a lawsuit filed by Epic Games Inc., which argued that the iPhone maker’s policies and revenue share of as much as 30% are anticompetitive. Unhappy developers have grown more willing publicly to express discontent, Apple executives have been grilled by U.S. lawmakers and companies such as Microsoft Corp. and Spotify Technology SA have chided Apple.
What to Expect From Apple’s WWDC
The Cupertino, California-based iPhone maker will now try to convince developers that Apple’s platform remains the best place for them to sell software and that it has new features to keep consumers glued to the company’s products. Apple, however, isn’t expected to announce wholesale App Store policy changes next week. The company generated about $22 billion from App Store commission in 2020 alone, according to Sensor Tower estimates.
As part of its continued privacy push, Apple is planning new features to counter overly invasive apps. One major new addition will be a control panel that provides in-depth detail on what data are being collected by each third-party app installed on a user’s device. Earlier this year, Apple rolled out a feature to limit the ability of developers to track users across apps and the web for advertising purposes, irking developers like Facebook Inc.
On the iPhone and iPad software updates, users will now be able to set a status — such as whether you are driving, sleeping, working or don’t want to be disturbed — and have that dictate how incoming notifications are handled. The update will also include a larger focus on auto-replying to messages and a new design for incoming notification banners at the top of the screen.
For the iPad, Apple plans to revamp the home screen and support the placement of widgets — snippets of dynamic information like calendar, weather and stocks — anywhere on the screen. This is a commonly requested feature that will bring the iPad in line with Android rivals. The company also plans an improved multitasking system to make it easier to operate multiple apps at the same time.
The Messages app will receive enhancements on the way toward Apple’s eventual goal to turn it into a more direct competitor to messaging services on social networks like Facebook’s WhatsApp and Messenger, Bloomberg News has previously reported. Apple has also been working on a revamped lock screen for the iPhone and iPad, though some of those changes have been pushed back to a future release and won’t appear this year.
Apple’s planned update to macOS is expected to be somewhat minor after the operating system received an overhaul in 2020, while the Apple Watch is expected to gain some health-tracking and interface improvements. The Apple TV will also get enhanced software after the company released a faster model last month.
WWDC kicks off on Monday June 07,2021 or June 08,2021 3am some part of the world.
Apple released iOS 14.5 beta 1 to developers, and as you’ve no doubt heard, it’s quite the update. Headlined by the ability to unlock your iPhone with Apple Watch while wearing a face mask, iOS 14.5 beta 1 brings forth a number of practical improvements and overall enhancements to iPhone. Watch our hands-on commentary as we discuss the top iOS 14.5 beta 1 changes and features.
What’s new in iOS 14.5 beta 1?
Updated Software Update screens
Both the Software Update page in the Settings app and the Watch app have received more informative details regarding updates. Apple now includes a green check mark to indicate that you’re on the latest version of software, along with a message stating that “Your iPhone is up to date with all of the latest bug fixes and security enhancements.” In addition, iOS 14.5 now displays a time stamp that shows the last time you successfully checked for an update.
Unlock with Apple Watch
As noted, the biggest feature to come to iOS 14.5 is support for Apple Watch Unlock when Face ID detects a face with a mask. Users must be wearing an unlocked Apple Watch protected by a passcode in order for the feature to work. When attempting to unlock your iPhone using Face ID while wearing a face mask, you’ll feel a vibration on your Apple Watch, along with a notification that your iPhone was unlocked successfully.
Horizontal boot screen iPad
When connected to the Magic Keyboard, iPadOS 14.5 will display the startup Apple logo in horizontal/landscape mode instead of the default portrait orientation. If you restart your iPad when disconnected from the Magic Keyboard, even if you’re holding the device in landscape mode, the startup screen will appear in portrait mode.
As a side note, iPadOS 14.5 now supports emoji search, which iPhone users have been enjoying since iOS 14’s release, but has been inexplicably missing on iPad up until now.
Cellular connectivity updates
One of the biggest changes found in iOS 14.5 is the ability to enable dual SIM functionality while maintaining 5G connectivity. In previous versions of iOS, enabling the iPhone 12’s dual SIM feature would cause cellular connectivity to fall back to standard LTE. With iOS 14.5, users have the option of keeping both connections active simultaneously while still enjoying the benefits of 5G.
In addition to 5G dual SIM support, iOS 14.5 surfaces a new 5G Standalone cellular switch in system settings. Initial 5G implementations piggybacked on existing LTE networks to speed up adoption of 5G, but this method imposes propagation limits based on the LTE limitations. With Standalone (or SA) 5G, the limits of LTE are no longer in play. Keep in mind that your carrier will need to support 5G SA, and Apple warns that enabling SA at this early stage may cause degraded performance.
Apple Music updates
Apple Music gets some noteworthy updates in iOS 14.5, headlined by a new “Made For You” section under the Library tab. Made For You houses all of the algorithmic-curated music suggestions that are normally found within playlists like Favorites Mix, Chill Mix, and New Music Mix within the Listen Now tab.
Another handy feature found in iOS 14.5 is the inclusion of release dates for all music content featured on Apple Music. Prior versions of iOS would showcase release info, but in this latest beta version of iOS, users are treated with the exact release month, day, and year.
Users will also be happy to know that the scrolling metadata view on the Now Playing Lock Screen interface has now returned. This is a big improvement over the truncated metadata view that’s been around in the last few versions.
Reminders app enhancements
It’s crazy that we’ve not been able to sort Reminders based on parameters like modification date or title up until now, but at least we finally receive such features in iOS 14.5. Users can still sort reminder lists manually, but now there are several metadata sorting options, along with ascending and descending preferences.
The ability to directly print a reminders list joins the updated sorting options, allowing users to quickly send a list to a configured AirPrint printer.
Updated Podcast app
The stock Podcasts app gets lots of subtle changes and enhancements alongside a bigger update to the look and feel of the official show page for each podcast. New enhancements include a full-bleed header with color-matched backgrounds and a refreshed Library page with new glyphs.
Apple Fitness+ Workouts AirPlay 2 support
AirPlay 2 compatibility comes to Apple Fitness+ workouts, allowing users to stream workouts directly to an AirPlay 2-compatible set-top box or television. The problem with this method, as opposed to just playing on an Apple TV or iPad, is that you lose on-screen metric support. But that might not be a huge deal since metric details remain readily available on your Apple Watch.
Maps app redesigned guides
Apple has redesigned the Guides feature on the Maps app, which now includes a full-bleed header, redesigned buttons, and beautiful animations when minimizing and maximizing each guide.
PS5 / Xbox Series X controller support
Support for next-generation console controllers, including the Playstation 5 Dual Sense controller and the Xbox Series X controller, is now available in 14.5. Next-gen controller support is a welcome new addition for controller-compatible Apple Arcade games, and for taking advantage of console-centric remote play features.
Dedicated Search tab in News app
Similar to the Search tab in the Music app and TV app, the News app gains a dedicated search interface for quickly finding channels, topics, or stories.
Siri interface updates
Those using the Type to Siri accessibility option will notice an updated interface that no longer opens to a dedicated Siri screen, allowing the user to maintain context of their current position in iOS. This update is similar to the changes first implemented in iOS 14 when invoking Siri using voice. You’ll also find an updated interface that appears when sending iMessages via Siri.
Apple Card updates
Although these updates are not-yet user facing, we’ve also highlighted a couple of forthcoming changes related to Apple Card:
Apple Card Family feature for multi-user accounts
New financial health features coming to the Wallet app
A big change that arrived with iOS 14 is an all-new home screen experience. This marks arguably the biggest UI update for iOS since it was first introduced. However, iPad isn’t getting all the same new features and changes as iPhone, but there are new widgets to take advantage of. Follow along for how to use the new iPad widgets in iPadOS 14.
iOS 14 on iPhone includes the ability to use the new widgets anywhere on the home screen as well as other app pages. There’s also the new App Library feature.
iPad sees a different experience in iPadOS 14 with the new widgets arriving for use only in the Today View portion of the home screen (can’t be mixed in with apps) and the new App Library feature is absent. In any case, the new widgets still offer some useful new functionality.
Note: iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 are available as free public betas as well as developer betas for iPhone and iPad.
How to use new iPad widgets in iOS 14
If it’s not turned on permanently, swipe from left to right on your iPad home screen to see the Today View
Long press on a black space of your home screen to enter Edit mode (jiggle mode)
You can tap the Keep on Home Screentoggle at the top to keep widgets available all the time
Tap, hold, and drag the existing widgets around to organize them
You can stack widgets of the same size on top of each other for swipeable widgets
Swipe to the bottom of the widgets and tap Customize to add new ones
Tap the green “+” icon to add available widgets, tap Done when finished
When not in Edit mode, you can long press a widget from your home screen to get the edit or remove option (e.g. removing stacked widgets, modify smart suggestions, etc.)
Here’s how all this looks:
Now you’ll be able to edit your widgets.
Tap the “—” icon to remove widgets or tap-hold-drag them to reorganize the layout. Swipe to the bottom to add more widgets, tap Customize.
You can add new widgets by tapping the green “+” icons and then order them by dragging the three-line icons as shown below.
Don’t forget you can stack widgets of the same size on top of each other to maximize your use of space.
And from the home screen you can long press on a widget to get edit and customization options:
What do you think of the new widgets in iPadOS 14? Are you hoping to see the same implementation as iOS 14 in the future? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Apple has released iOS 12.4.6 for older model iPhone and iPad devices that are not able to run iOS 13.4 and iPadOS 13.4.
The iOS 12.4.6 is said to include important security updates and thus is recommended for eligible users to download and install onto their devices. No new features are expected to be included with iOS 12.4.6.
Devices eligible for the iOS 12.4.6 update include iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 5s, iPod touch 6th generation, iPad Air 1, iPad Mini 2, and iPad Mini 3. Newer iPhone and iPad models are able to download iOS 13.4 and iPadOS 13.4 instead.
How to Update to iOS 12.4.6
Before anything else, backup the iPhone or iPad to iCloud, iTunes, or to MacOS before beginning any system software update. Failure to backup could lead to data loss.
The easiest way for most users to download iOS 12.4.6 is through the Software Update mechanism in Settings app on the iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch :
Open the “Settings” app
Go to “General” and then choose “Software Update”
Choose to “Download and Install” iOS 12.4.6
iOS 12.4.6 will download and install automatically, requiring a device reboot to complete. When the installation has finished, the iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch will automatically boot itself back up and be usable again as normal.
Release notes accompanying the iOS 12.4.6 update download are very brief stating that it “provides important security updates” and is therefore recommended for all users who are eligible for the update.
More advanced users can also choose to update iPhone or iPad manually by using IPSW as detailed here.
Separately, Apple has also released macOS Catalina 10.15.4 for Mac, along with Security Update 2020-002 for macOS Mojave and High Sierra, iPadOS 13.4 for newer iPad, iOS 13.4 for newer iPhone, along with updates for tvOS and watchOS.
Need to clear up some disk space or get rid of some old iPhone or iPad backups on a Mac? With the latest versions of MacOS, managing iOS and iPadOS device backups is done entirely in Finder, including deleting and removing device backups.
Arguably the safest and most thorough way of backing up an iPhone or iPad is to do an encrypted backup via Mac Finder. When the backup is complete you’ll have a copy of all of your data on your computer, complete with encrypted keychain contents. But it all takes up space that you might want to reclaim. As you can imagine, doing a full backup of your iPhone or iPad can take a lot of space. That’s fine if you’re lucky enough to be using a Mac with a multi-terabyte SSD. But most of us aren’t, so we need a way to trip the amount of data used by backups. We need to delete old ones. And in macOS Catalina, that’s a whole new process compared to deleting backups with iTunes. As you’ll see, removing backups this way is similar, but since iTunes is no more in modern macOS versions, it’s obviously a bit different and using a different process.
Here’s how to go about deleting old iPhone or iPad backups in macOS Catalina.
How to Delete iOS & iPadOS Device Backups from MacOS Finder in Catalina
This assumes you have made a backup of iPhone or iPad to macOS before, if not there will not be any backup to remove.
Plug your iPhone or iPad into your Mac using a USB cable.
Open a Finder window by clicking its icon in the Dock and click your iPhone or iPad in the sidebar.
Make sure that the “General” tab is selected and then click “Manage Backups.” You’ll find it at the very bottom of the window.
Click to select the backup that you want to delete and then click “Delete Backup.”
You’ll need to confirm that you want to delete the selected backup before the action is carried out.
The selected backups will be deleted.
Depending on the size of the device backups you removed, you can possibly get a ton more space on your Mac drive, whether it’s a hard disk or SSD, just by removing backups this way. This is particularly nice to do with old device backups that are no longer needed.
Of course you don’t want to delete the only copy of a device backup you have, so be sure you have a backup of the iPhone or iPad somewhere before deleting one from the Mac.
As a bonus, you’ll still have these backups safe and sound if you’re using Time Machine, assuming you use that feature to backup the entire Mac anyway. You can then go about restoring the backup if you still need it, depending on how much time has passed and how long Time Machine keeps files around. Another handy trick for redundant backups is to manually copy a copy of the backed up devices to other external storage mediums, like an SD card, USB flash drive, or external hard drive, which you can then refer to if needed.
Using a Mac is just one way of backing up your iPhone or iPad. You can also use a Windows PC with iTunes if you want to. If you’d rather not have to plug them into a computer at all, you can use iCloud for backups instead as well. With iCloud, your device will back itself up overnight and you won’t need to connect to a computer to restore anything, either. And just like the Mac and iTunes approaches, you can also delete backups from iCloud too.
Finder in MacOS handles all device management now that iTunes used to, and that includes not only device backups but also syncing music to iPhone or iPad in MacOS with the Finder too, along with other device management options. Basically all that used to be device management in iTunes is now in Finder.
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