iOS 14.5 is on the way. What we know about a release date and new features - CNET

Here's everything that will be included in the latest iPhone update that we know so far, and how to download the public beta.

iOS 14.5 is likely going to arrive later this month; the public beta version is available right now.

The latest version of the OS will include new features that make it easier for you to unlock your phone while wearing a mask (so long as you also own an Apple Watch ($169 at Amazon)), and that require apps to ask for user permission before tracking data and activity. .

Here's everything we know about iOS 14.5 so far, including when it will be generally available to download, and what new features you can expect. .

The latest version of Apple's operating system, iOS 14.5, is now available as a public beta.

Since the developer beta for iOS 14.5 became available on Feb.

1, and the public beta shortly after, and releases come out roughly once a month, we can expect to see the final version of iOS 14.5 sometime in February. .

If you do want to download the iOS 14.5 public beta and try out some of the new features (again, we'd recommend doing so on a device you don't typically use, since there could be bugs), you first have to sign up for Apple's Beta Software Program.

Once you're part of the program, you can go to Settings > Software Update, and when you see iOS 14.5 Public Beta, hit Download and Install. .

When it's released, you should get a prompt telling you that iOS 14.5 is now available and asking if you'd like to download it.

If you have an Apple Watch, iOS 14.5 will let you use it to more easily unlock your iPhone while wearing a mask

iOS 14.5 will include 217 new emoji, including new skin-tone variations for popular emoji such as couples kissing