Apple releases iOS 14.5 beta 8, stable launch expected by this month

The much-awaited iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5 update appears to be just around the corner, as the company released the eight developer betas for iPhones and iPads today.

iOS 14.5 is right around the corner. (David Grandmougin/Unsplash)

Apple's much-awaited iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5 update appears to be just around the corner, as the company released the eight developer betas for iPhones and iPads today. The Cupertino company is set to release the stable build of its operating system before the end of the month.

The eighth beta of Apple's mobile and tablet operating system is now rolling out to users who are enrolled in the company's beta testing program, according to AppleInsider. If you already have iOS 14.5 beta 7 installed, you can simply hit the update button to download an OTA update to the latest beta. The company had released the seventh beta build last Wednesday, while the first beta was rolled out two months ago.

As we've previously reported, the biggest highlight of the update to iOS 14.5 when it is finally released is the arrival of Apple's App Tracking Transparency settings, which will force developers to ask users for consent before using their personal data to track them across apps. Users will be able to either allow the app to track, or ask the app not to track them, in which case apps will not be able to access an identifier used to track users across apps on their devices.

Other improvements coming to iOS include the support for wireless gaming controllers from the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X, plus better FaceID authentication while you have your mask on — but only if you also own an Apple Watch. Users will also have access to over 200 new emoji on iOS 14.5 and new and improved Siri voices, which do not default to a female variant by default.

While iPad and iPhone users have been patiently waiting for the release of iOS 14.5, Apple CEO Tim Cook recently revealed on the New York Times ‘Sway' podcast that the update should hit devices before the end of the month. Perhaps we will know more during Apple's recently announced Spring event, which will be held on April 20 at 10:30 PM IST, so don't forget to check our coverage on that date.