Apple rolls out iOS 14.5 with controversial privacy features

Apple officially released the update for all iPhone and iPad users on Monday. You can download iOS 14.5 or iPadOS 14.5 right now by going to Settings > General > Software Update. It’s a good idea to back up your Apple device before installing the update, just in case you have a current backup to restore your phone or tablet if you run into problems.

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The most notable and controversial feature included in this update is App Tracking Transparency (ATT). Starting April 26, any new app submitted to the App Store must comply with ATT, which requires app developers to obtain users' permission to track their activities on other apps and websites while using their iPhone or iPad.

After installing the update, you can find the new setting in Settings > Privacy > Tracking. If you allow apps to ask to track your activity, you will start to see a prompt when you launch an updated app and ask for permission to track your activity. If you don't allow apps to ask for your permission, all apps will be automatically blocked from tracking your activity.

Facebook has been the biggest and most vocal company talking about Apple's latest privacy feature because of the impact it will have on ad revenue. Of course, it's not just Facebook that will feel the impact of ad tracking becoming an optional feature on all iPhones and iPads, the entire ad industry will undoubtedly do the same.

There’s also a new Face ID feature for Apple Watch owners in iOS 14.5 that addresses the issue of using your iPhone’s facial recognition to unlock your iPhone while wearing a mask. After turning on Unlock with Apple Watch in Settings > Face ID & Passcode, once your iPhone detects that your face is covered, it will connect to your Apple Watch and use it as a secondary authentication point. Your iPhone will unlock and you’ll feel a tap on your wrist letting you know that your watch has been used to unlock your phone.

Siri has also received an update with the latest OS. There are two new voice options for devices with English as the primary language. There are now four options in total, and when you set up a new Apple device, Siri will no longer default to a female voice. Instead, you'll be asked to choose your preferred voice during the setup process. Your choice will carry over to all your Apple devices (except the HomePod, in my experience).

You can find the new voice by going to Settings > Siri & Search > Siri Voice.

The update also includes some tweaks to the Music and Podcast apps, as well as bug fixes and performance improvements.