Apple rolls out watchOS 7.4, iPad OS 14.5: Here’s everything new for Apple Watch and iPad users

Gadgets Now Bureau / Updated: Apr 27, 2021, 02:14PM IST

FacebookTwitterLinkedin

Articles

Apple rolls out watchOS 74 iPad OS 145 Heres everything new for Apple Watch and iPad users

Apple has rolled out a new software update for Apple Watch users across the globe. The company has released watchOS 7.4, which is the fourth major update of the watchOS 7 operating system that was released in September 2020.

The key highlight of this watchOS update is that when an Apple Watch running on this OS update when paired with an iPhone run-in on iOS 14.5, will allow iPhone users to unlock their device’s FaceID even with a face mask on.

It will do this by providing a secondary authentication on the Apple Watch.

Here are Apple's full release notes with additional features:
watchOS 7.4 includes new features, improvements, and bug fixes, including:
- Ability to unlock your ‌iPhone‌ X and later with Apple Watch when you attempt to use Face ID while wearing a face mask
- Option to classify Bluetooth device type in Settings for correct identification of headphones for audio notifications
- Ability to stream audio and video content from Apple Fitness+ workouts to ‌AirPlay‌ 2-enabled TVs and devices
- Support for the ECG app on Apple Watch Series 4 or later in Australia and Vietnam
- Support for irregular heart rhythm notifications in Australia and Vietnam

When it comes to the iPad, the new features are more or less similar to the features the company has introduced with the iOS 14.5 for iPhones.

iPad users get support for AirTag, new emojis, App Tracking Transparency feature and more.

Here are Apple's full release notes with additional features:

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
* 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 favourite 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 behaviour and notification settings can be customized on a show-by-show basis
* Top Charts and popular categories in Search help you discover new shows

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

Reminders
* Ability to sort reminders by Title, Priority, Due Date, or Creation date
* Option to print your reminder lists

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

This release also fixes the following issues:
* Messages at the bottom of the thread may be hidden by the keyboard under certain circumstances
* Deleted messages may still appear in Spotlight search
* Messages may persistently fail to send texts in some threads
* Mail would not load new emails for some users until restarting the device
* iCloud Tabs may not appear in Safari
* iCloud Keychain could be prevented from turning off
* Reminders created via Siri may be unintentionally set for early morning hours
* AirPods audio routing to an incorrect device for Automatic Switching
* AirPods Automatic Switching notifications might be missing or duplicated

Follow Gadgets Now on Facebook and Twitter. For the latest news, tech news, breaking news headlines and live updates checkout Gadgetsnow.com

Apple Watch