Apple has officially released iOS 14.2, bringing multiple new features as well as some important bug fixes and security updates.
iOS 14.2 includes a new accessibility feature for blind users with an iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max. Thanks to the built-in lidar sensor, you can use your iPhone to detect the presence of and distance to people in the view of the iPhone’s camera.
You can use it to receive an alert when there’s someone in front of you that is more than six feet away, and another one if they come closer to you. In addition to stereo audio alerts, you can set up a haptic pulse that goes faster as the person gets closer.
When Apple unveiled the HomePod Mini, the company spoke about a new Intercom feature that lets you interact with another Apple user in your house. Today’s software updates add Intercom support for the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods and CarPlay.
To activate Intercom, simply say: “Hey Siri, Intercom” followed by your message. You can choose specific HomePods or devices to send a message.
The update also brings the ability to connect the full-size HomePod to Apple TV 4K for stereo, surround sound, and Dolby Atmos audio.
There is a new Music Recognition option in Control Center. This integrates the Apple-owned Shazam app in the iOS operating system. Music Recognition lets you identify music playing around you, whether in apps or while wearing AirPods. To activate it in Control Center, tap on the Shazam icon.
There is also a redesigned Now Playing widget in the Control Center that lists recently played albums. AirPlay got a redesign, too, that makes it easier to simultaneously play music across multiple AirPlay 2-compatible devices.
If you have AirPods, you can now enable optimized battery charging. It works like optimized battery charging on your iPhone. If you plug your AirPods in before going to bed, they won’t charge at full speed. Instead, your iPhone can tell your AirPods to charge to 100% right before you wake up.
For those who like to blast their music, there are now Headphone audio level notifications to alert you when audio level could impact your hearing.
Speaking of notifications, there is now the option to provide statistics about Exposure Notifications, without identifying you, to participating Public Health Authorities.
iOS 14.2 also allows Apple Card users to see a yearly spending history option. Previously, spending activity was limited to a weekly or monthly summary
iOS 14.2 brings eight new wallpapers in both light and dark mode versions and support for iPhone 12 Leather Sleeve with MagSafe.
Finally, iOS 14.2 introduces over 100 new emojis. You’ll find a transgender flag, a smiling face with tear, pinched fingers, two people hugging, some insects and animals, a disguised face and more. When it comes to new variations, there will be a Mx Claus, a gender-inclusive alternative to Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. Tuxedos are no longer limited to men and veils are no longer limited to women — you’ll be able to send an emoji with a woman wearing a tuxedo and a man wearing a veil.
iOS 14.2 Fixes
- Apps could be out of order on the Home Screen dock
- Camera viewfinder may appear black when launched
- The keyboard on the Lock Screen could miss touches when trying to enter the passcode
- Reminders could default to times in the past
- Photos widget may not display content
- Weather widget could display the high temperature in Celsius when set to Fahrenheit
- Next-hour precipitation chart description in Weather could incorrectly indicate when precipitation stops
- Voice Memos recordings are interrupted by incoming calls
- The screen could be black during Netflix video playback
- Apple Cash could fail to send or receive money when asked via Siri
- Apple Watch app may unexpectedly close when opened
- Workout GPS routes or Health data are prevented from syncing between Apple Watch and iPhone for some users
- Audio is incorrectly labeled as “Not Playing” in the CarPlay Dashboard
- Devices could be prevented from charging wirelessly
- Exposure Notifications is disabled when restoring iPhone from iCloud Backup or transferring data to a new iPhone using iPhone Migration
iOS 14.2 is available as a free software update starting today for iPhone 6s and later.
