Apple AirTags: The New Party Trick for Your Car, Keys & Pets
By now, everyone—and their mother—has probably heard about Apple’s shiny new AirTags. Most folks are already brainstorming wild ways to stash one in their car, tuck another into a backpack, and maybe even slip one over a pet’s collar. It’s the gadget that turns your everyday life into a treasure‑hunt, thanks to the iOS 14.5 update that just dropped on iPhones this week.
iOS 14.5: A Major Roll‑out Worth Paying Attention To
Just like the big splash in December 2020 (iOS 14.3), iOS 14.5 comes packed with a mix of fun additions and subtle tweaks. Think of it as the software equivalent of a fresh coat of paint—new colors, new textures, and a splash of novelty that make the iPhone experience feel brand new.
Why You’ll Want to Upgrade (And Why You Probably Should)
- Seamless AirTag Support – Start tracking those lost keys or that dodgy pet with the Apple ecosystem.
- Improved Privacy Settings – The app adds new ways to control who can see your location, so you stay safe and private.
- Better Notification Experience – Get push notifications that actually mean something, not just a string of random alerts.
- New Accessibility Features – Apple keeps refining its device for everyone, adding voice‑over tweaks and more.
- Background App Refresh Tweaks – Apps stay up to date without draining your battery—yes, it’s a win-win.
Putting It Into Your Everyday Life
Picture this: You’re at the parking lot, your car disappears from view, but a cozy push notification on your iPhone tells you “Your car is in the 5th floor parking bay.” Meanwhile, that little AirTag tucked into your backpack pops up on the map, giving you a real‑time location shout‑out. And if your golden retriever decides to wander, the same AirTag will keep you posted—no more “Did I forget your dog in the park?” moments.
Starting Your Journey on a Purple iPhone 12? Sure, Why Not?
What better way to launch a new iOS update than with the latest iPhone 12 in a striking purple? It’s like pairing a new software update with a fresh, eye‑catching physical upgrade—your device feels as vibrant as your newly synced AirTags.
Bottom line: iOS 14.5 isn’t just a bump in the road; it’s a full-on pit stop that revs up the entire iPhone experience. Whether you’re hunting for your toddler’s missing toy or ensuring your Stardog’s GPS is locked in place, this update’s got it covered.
App Tracking Transparency
iOS 14.5’s App Tracking Transparency: Your Digital Life, In Your Hands
Apple’s App Tracking Transparency (ATT) arrives with iOS 14.5, handing you the power to decide who gets to peek at your app‑time habits.
What’s the Deal?
- Trackers? Snoooooped! Apps must ask for your permission before they start stalking your movements.
- Data Brokers? No-sleeper. You control which companies can harvest or resell your digital footprints.
Feeling like you’re still the master of your own privacy? Jump into our deep‑dive guide on ATT for slick tricks to keep your data locked away—but no fluff, just the stuff that actually works.
5G improvements
Apple’s iPhone 12 Gets a Smart Data Upgrade
Guess what? The Smart Data Mode on the iPhone 12—already on by default—has just received a performance boost. Now, those 5G‑enabled iPhone 12s are set to run smarter, saving both your battery and your data spend.
What’s New?
- Battery longevity gets a tidy upgrade.
- Data usage gets a tighter leash, so you stay online without the panic flash.
Fast‑Track to 5G Roaming
Apple’s also rolled out 5G international roaming for the iPhone 12. If your carrier backs it, global, high‑speed data is just a setting away.
Bottom Line
With these tweaks, the iPhone 12 keeps you powered and connected—whether you’re in the city or halfway around the world.
Siri now announces who’s calling you
Meet the New‑fangled Siri
Picture this: you’re standing in the kitchen, popcorn in one hand, trying to keep your ginormous fridge open free from the endless pings that keep swimming across your screen. Siri steps in with a brand‑new skill that practically says, “Don’t worry, I’ve got the caller’s name up front.” No more guessing who might be on the line—she spouts it right off the bat. So you can decide, fast‑track the call or politely decline before the phone ever even rings.
Call, FaceTime, Immediately
- FaceTime a whole group from the Messages app. If you’re planning a spontaneous concert for that phone‑gap you haven’t been able to fill, just tell Siri to “FaceTime the ‘Band Heroes’” and you’re golden.
- Call or FaceTime your Emergency Contact in an instant. If you set that up, you can whisper, “Hey Siri, call Mom,” and it’ll do it—no need to twist the ring switch. Life’s extra safety net, now with instant delivery.
- New voice mood swings. Choose from a richer palette of voice types and styles. Got cheeky expecting a bossy old grandma? Pick that. Want something smooth and cool? No problem.
Why the Buzz?
Apple just added “hand‑free” to your daily routine. You can be on the go, juggling a banana, a coffee, and a job interview, and let Siri handle the caller politely. It’s like having a witty personal assistant that’s practically invisible.
And There’s More Coming
iOS 14.5 rolls out next week, and Blue‑A Team plans to double the power of Apple Watch: unlock your phone without Face ID. That means you sneak into your own apartment with the Watch on your wrist (just look at the look of chill). Never again.
Printing your to-do list directly from the Reminder app
Print Your Digital To‑Do List, One Tap at a Time
If you love keeping your daily tasks tidy with Apple’s Reminders app, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that a new feature lets you print those lists straight out of the app. Yes, a button that turns your digital checklist into a handy hard copy—perfect for anyone who feels more at ease with the tangible!
Why It Makes Sense for the Organized
- Instant hard copies for your desk or whiteboard.
- No more juggling between phone and computer.
- Can turn a frantic morning into a calm, organized one.
Sorting Options to Keep Things Neat
All the usual sorting choices are here—by Title, Priority, Due Date, or Creation Date. Pick what works best for you and watch your tasks line up like a well‑ordered army.
Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 game controller support
Apple Arcade Just Got a Power‑Up
Controllers from PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X—Now Rolling Into Your iPhone
Guess what? iOS 14.5 has officially opened up its arms to the latest gaming controllers from Microsoft and Sony. That means you can ditch the clunky third‑party row‑dyest options and finally grab a PS5 DualSense or Xbox Series X controller to hand‑shake your Apple Arcade titles.
- Speedy Setup: Plug in, pair, and you’re ready to blast through the latest services
- No More Winky Controllers: Forget those cheap, glitchy Bluetooth remotes that feel like a bad movie sequel
- Right Up Your Alley: If you’ve got a PS5 at home, simply grab the controller and start smashing!
So whether you’re a proud Xbox gamer craving new chatty chat boxes or a PlayStation fanset ready to rule the rumble‑rich worlds out there, iOS 14.5 makes it that easy. Nothing beats the authenticity of playing with the real deals. Happy gaming!
Screen brightness fix
iOS 14.5 Unveiled: Why Your iPhone 12 Might Be Feeling a Bit Dim
What’s Actually Happening?
- Brightness Blues: Some iPhone 12 users reported a sudden, eerie dimness while scrolling. The patch notes hint that iOS 14.5 tries to nip that “dim glow” in the bud—especially on black backgrounds. If your screen feels like a moonlit night, you’re probably not alone.
- New Emojis: Apple has dropped fresh emoji goodies. Your chats just got a little brighter—and funnier.
- Apple Music Sync: The music app now winks at the rest of the system, making it feel more integrated. Pop a playlist, and your device will vibe with you.
See the Whole Picture?
Apple’s official website lists every tweak and tweak in iOS 14.5. It’s a quick read—just remember to hit that Update button before the next surprise.
Original Source
First appeared in Hardware Zone.
