Apple released the first beta of iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5, tvOS 14.5, watchOS 7.4 and Xcode 12.5 for registered developers this evening.
While Apple today released the final version of macOS Big Sur 11.2 for all users rolled out worldwide Registered developers were also included. The first beta versions of iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5, tvOS 14.5, watchOS 7.4, and Xcode 12.5 are now available for download. iOS 14.5 is expected to bring fundamental changes to data protection and privacy. Specifically, the "App Tracking Transparency" feature is to be introduced. As a reminder:
App Tracking Transparency is a new iOS 14 feature that requires apps to ask for users' permission before tracking them across other apps and websites. In Settings, users can also see which apps have requested permission to track, so they can make changes if they see fit. Once this requirement takes effect, users will, for example, see a pop-up when they open the Facebook app. This message states that Facebook wants to track the user across other apps and websites. There will be two options users can choose from: "Do Not Track" or "Allow." If a user opts out of tracking, Apple will prevent the developer of the respective app from accessing the user's advertising identifier. The developer is also required to respect the user's tracking preference in general, which means that they cannot use other methods to track the user. Otherwise, the app could be removed from the App Store.
It is currently unknown whether further features have been implemented. If there are any noteworthy innovations or even leaks about unpublished products, I will, as always, report on them separately.
Notice – As usual, a preview should not be installed on an actively used iPhone or iPad, as these are usually quite unstable and buggy – we recommend using a second device for this. AirPods Pro on special offer at Amazon – available now. (Photo by IuriiMotov / Bigstockphoto)
The build numbers are:
- Xcode 12.5 beta (12E5220o)
- iOS 14.5 beta (18E5140j)
- iPadOS 14.5 beta (18E5140j)
- watchOS 7.4 beta (18T5144k)
- tvOS 14.5 beta (18L5149j)
