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Apple’s latest round of device updates brings support for the latest console controllers to iOS and tvOS. The iOS 14.5 and tvOS 14.5 updates apply to Apple’s iPhones, iPads, and Apple TV, and they each add support for both the PS5 DualSense and the Xbox Series X|S controller, among other new features.
The feature, which lists both Series X|S and DualSense wireless controller support, can be found under the Gaming section in the changelog (via WCCF Tech). The same update number is used for the latest tvOS firmware, which will update any Apple TV devices that you have.
The controller support on tvOS isn’t too surprising, as we’ve heard reports that Apple is phasing out its TV remote’s ability to double as a game controller. Instead, newer versions of the remote will prompt you to connect a supported wireless controller like those from PlayStation or Xbox, or to use an older Apple TV remote.
Other new features of the iOS update includes the ability to unlock your iPhone with your Apple Watch even if wearing a face mask, support for the new AirTag dongles, more robust privacy settings that will allow you to control which apps can track you across other apps, and other quality-of-life features. The tvOS update features a new color balance tool that uses your phone to calibrate its settings.
Apple recently issued a big update to Apple Arcade, adding loads of games including new releases and a selection of classics. If you’re looking for the right controller to use to play games on your iOS or tvOS device, check out our selections for the best mobile controllers.
Apple iOS Update 14.5
Unlock iPhone with Apple Watch
Ability to unlock your iPhone X and later with Apple Watch Series 3 and later when you attempt to use Face ID while wearing a face mask
AirTag and Find My
Support for AirTag to keep track of and find your important items like your keys, wallet, backpack and more, privately and securely in the Find My app
Precision Finding uses visual, audible, and haptic feedback to guide you directly to your nearby AirTag using Ultra Wideband provided by the U1 chip on iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 models
AirTag can be located by playing a sound via the built-in speaker
The Find My network with hundreds of millions of devices can help you find your AirTag, even when it isn’t nearby
Lost Mode notifies you when your AirTag is found, and you can enter a phone number where you can be contacted
Emoji
Support for separate skin tones for each individual in all variations of the couple kissing emoji and couple with heart emoji
New face emojis, heart emojis, woman with a beard emoji
Siri
Siri now includes more diverse voice options
Incoming calls can be announced with Siri, including who is calling, when you’re wearing your AirPods or compatible Beats headphones, and you can answer hands-free
Group FaceTime calls are supported by asking Siri to FaceTime a list of contacts or a group name from Messages
Emergency contacts can be called by asking Siri
Privacy
App Tracking Transparency lets you control which apps are allowed to track your activity across other companies’ apps and websites for ads or sharing with data brokers
Apple Music
Share your favorite lyrics using Messages, Facebook, and Instagram Stories, and subscribers can play the snippet in Messages without leaving the conversation
City charts showcase what’s popular in over 100 cities from all over the world
Podcasts
Podcasts Show Pages are redesigned to make it easier to start listening
Option to save and download episodes, automatically adding them to your Library for quick access
Download behavior and notification settings can be customized on a show-by-show basis
Top Charts and popular categories in Search help you discover new shows
5G improvements
Dual SIM support enables 5G connectivity on the line that’s using cellular data on iPhone 12 models
Smart Data Mode improvements further optimize your experience on 5G networks for better battery life and data usage on iPhone 12 models
5G international roaming enabled on supported carriers on iPhone 12 models
News
Redesigned News+ tab enables Apple News+ subscribers to quickly find, download, and manage magazine and newspaper issues
All-new Search experience that helps you find relevant topics, channels, and stories
Maps
Accidents, hazards, or speed checks along your route can be reported by telling Siri on your iPhone or on CarPlay
Estimated time of arrival (ETA) can be shared when cycling or walking, in addition to driving, by asking Siri or tapping on the route card at the bottom of the screen, then tapping Share ETA
Reminders
Ability to sort reminders by Title, Priority, Due Date, or Creation date
Option to print your reminder lists
Translate
Translation playback speed can be adjusted by long pressing the play button
Gaming
Xbox Series X|S Wireless Controller or Sony PS5 DualSense™ Wireless Controller support
Fitness+
Ability to stream audio and video content from Apple Fitness+ workouts to AirPlay 2-enabled TVs and devices
CarPlay
ETA in Apple Maps can be easily shared while driving with new Siri or keyboard controls in CarPlay
This release also fixes the following issues:
Messages at the bottom of the thread may be hidden by the keyboard under certain circumstancesDeleted messages may still appear in Spotlight searchMessages may persistently fail to send texts in some threadsMail would not load new emails for some users until restarting the deviceCall blocking and identification section may not appear in Phone settingsiCloud Tabs may not appear in SafariiCloud Keychain could be prevented from turning offReminders created via Siri may be unintentionally set for early morning hoursBattery health reporting system will recalibrate maximum battery capacity and peak performance capability on iPhone 11 models to address inaccurate estimates of battery health reporting for some users (https://support.apple.com/HT212247)Optimization to reduce the appearance of a dim glow that may appear at reduced brightness levels with black backgrounds on iPhone 12 modelsAirPods audio routing to incorrect device for Automatic SwitchingAirPods Automatic Switching notifications might be missing or duplicated
