Apple has used the last several weeks to test the latest update for iOS and iPadOS, and now the software is ready for the public.
Today, Apple has released both iOS 14.2 and iPadOS 14.2 to the masses. The new software isn’t a major update in the grand scheme of things, but it does add a few noteworthy features to the mix. Specifically, iOS 14.2 and iPadOS 14.2 users will find a new Shazam option in Control Center. In addition to that, iOS 14.2 and iPadOS 14.2 also welcome new emoji and much more.
The latest software update for iOS and iPadOS is a free update. You can download it as an over-the-air (OTA) update. To update manually simply open the Settings app –> General –> Software Update and follow the onscreen instructions. If you have Automatic Updates turned on, your supported device(s) will automatically download and install the latest software overnight, while connected to power.
The new stuff
With iOS 14.2, Apple is welcoming Shazam as a built-in feature with the mobile operating system (pictured at the top of this article). There is a new Control Center option for Shazam that makes launching music recognition much easier. The feature can now even recognize music while you’re listening to it on your AirPods.
Tutorial: How to use Shazam music recognition from your iPhone’s Control Center
In addition to the change for Shazam, the Now Playing widget in Control Center has been redesigned and improved. In iOS 14.2, this widget will now show recently played music when you’re not currently listening to anything. AirPlay’s interface is tweaked in the new software as well.
As for the new emoji, iOS 14.2 and iPadOS 14.2 welcome additions like a ninja, a boomerang, bubble tea, the dodo, Russian nesting dolls, and much more. Apple first announced the new emoji support earlier this year.
That’s not all, though. With iOS 14.2 and iPadOS 14.2, Apple welcomes the Intercom feature it announced earlier this year. With Intercom, it becomes easier than ever to send a message to someone in the home, from one HomePod to another, or even another Apple device. A voice message can be recorded on one HomePod, and then delivered to another part of the house on another HomePod, or several smart speakers at once. Intercom also lets users send a notification to devices like an Apple Watch, too.
Resource: Intercom system requirements
The iOS 14.2 changelog
Here’s Apple’s official changelog for iOS 14.2:
iOS 14.2 includes the following improvements for your iPhone:
- Over 100 new emoji, including animals, food, faces, household objects, musical instruments, gender-inclusive emoji, and more
- Eight new wallpapers in both light and dark mode versions
- Magnifier can detect people nearby, and report their distance using the LiDAR sensor included in iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max
- Support for iPhone 12 Leather Sleeve with MagSafe
- Optimized battery charging for AirPods to slow the rate of battery aging by reducing the time your AirPods spends fully charged
- Headphone audio level notifications to alert you when audio level could impact your hearing
- New AirPlay controls to stream entertainment throughout your home
- Intercom support with HomePod and HomePod mini using iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, and CarPlay
- Ability to connect HomePod to Apple TV 4K for stereo, surround sound, and Dolby Atmos audio
- Option to provide statistics about Exposure Notifications, without identifying you, to participating Public Health Authorities
This release also fixes the following issues:
- 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
For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website:
iOS 14.2 and iPadOS 14.2 are available to download and install now.
HomePod software update
As is par for the course, Apple also released a corresponding software update for the HomePod. The new software will automatically update for the smart speaker(s) in your home automatically.
The 14.2 software update for the HomePod adds support for Intercom, and also brings with it new home theater features. This means you’ll be able to pair the smart speaker as a default audio device when connecting to the Apple TV 4K. The HomePod supports Dolby Atmos audio as well when paired to the set-top box.
Here’s the official changelog:
Software version 14.2 includes support for new Siri, Intercom, and Home Theater features. This update also includes bug fixes and improvements.
- Ask Siri “What’s my update?” to hear a personal snapshot of your day that includes the news, weather, traffic, reminders, and calendar appointments.
- Intercom using iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, and CarPlay.
- Connect HomePod to Apple TV 4K and enjoy stereo, surround sound, and Dolby Atmos audio. Add a second HomePod for a more immersive soundstage.
The HomePod update also brings with it new Siri voice control options. Ask the smart speaker for an update, and you’ll get a snapshot of your day, including reminders, traffic alerts, the weather, and news updates. What’s more, this feature is specific to each user in the house.