iOS 14.5 offers iPhone Unlock with Apple Watch, various Siri voices, and even more

Unlock the iPhone with Apple Watch

Starting today, customers can use their Apple Watch to securely unlock the iPhone when they try to use Face ID while wearing a face mask. With the Apple Watch on the pole, unlocked, and in the vicinity of the iPhone, users can simply take a look at their iPhone and receive haptic feedback from the Apple Watch, indicating that their iPhone has been unlocked. The new feature works with iPhone X and later versions and Apple Watch Series 3 and later versions.¹

Siri improvements

With iOS 14.5, Siri no longer has a default voice, allowing users to choose the voice that speaks to them when they set up their device for the first time, and in English, users can now select more diverse voice options . These new Siri voices use Neural Text to Speech technology for incredibly natural sound. These updates support Apple’s long-standing commitment to diversity and inclusion, with products and services that are designed to better reflect our customers and the world.

Siri also gains new capabilities with support for Group FaceTime, making it easier to initiate calls with more contacts or ask Siri to FaceTime the name of any group in Messages. In addition to incoming messages, Siri can now announce incoming calls for AirPods or compatible Beats headphones, and supports emergency contact calling if the iPhone owner needs help and can’t make calls.