Paul Morris·

Download: tvOS 14.5, watchOS 7.4, HomePod 14.5 Final Version Released

Apple has today released the final versions of tvOS 14.5, watchOS 7.4 and HomePod 14.5. After a period of internal testing and external testing, all three finalized versions are available to download right now for compatible devices.

For Apple Watch owners, watchOS 7.4 brings a brand new “Unlock with Apple Watch”  feature that is designed for wearers of facial masks during the ongoing global pandemic. When enabled, this feature will allow an iPhone that has Face ID to be unlocked  with an Apple Watch that is unlocked and authenticated.

This means that the iPhone owner won’t need to fumble around with a passcode on the iPhone in order to unlock it. This will be accessible under the Face ID & Passcode settings.

watchOS 7.4 also works with iOS 14.5 in order to allow Fitness+ subscribers to stream workouts to an AirPlay 2-enabled device. tvOS 14.5 offers support for the latest PlayStation DualSense 5 and Xbox Series X controllers. It includes a few small changes in terms of the terminology used through the system, such as changing “Siri Remote” to “Apple TV Remote.” It offers Accessibility enhancements, new default audio options, and a few tweaks to the native Podcasts app.

Apple is also using the release of tvOS 14.5 to enforce its brand new App Tracking Transparency rules that forces developers to request permission to use the device’s advertising identifier. This is definitely as worthwhile installation for anyone who values their privacy on Apple TV.

If you have a compatible Apple Watch, then you should know what to do by now! Simply head on over to the dedicated Watch app on your connected iPhone and head to General > Software Update. The latest watchOS 7.4 update should propagate through and let you download and install it to the Apple Watch. You’ll need at least 50% power and to be connected to power.

for Apple TV owners, head to Settings > System > Software Updates to find the latest tvOS 14.5 update. Select Download and Install once the update has been received from the server.

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