Apple has released the full and final version of iOS 14.6 and iPadOS 14.6 for download with a bunch of improvements and fixes including Podcast Subscriptions and Apple Card Family Support.
Among other software updates, Apple has released the watchOS 7.5 for Apple Watch, macOS Big Sur 11.4, and tvOS 14.6.
We will talk about all the software updates in this article.
iOS 14.6 and iPadOS 14.6
As we inch closer towards the imminent release of betas of the iOS 15 and iPadOS 15, the iPhone maker is starting to push out updates to its existing software at a rampant pace. Today, the company has packed a lot of great improvements and features in the latest iOS 14.6 and iPadOS 14.6.
The two things you should care about in this update are – Podcast Subscriptions and the Apple Card family.
iOS 14.6 and iPadOS 14.6 Features and Changes
Apple Card Family
- Apple Card is eligible to be shared with up to five people, including anyone 13 years or older in your Family Sharing group.
- Apple Card Family adds a useful feature for families that will support them to track expenses, manage spending with optional limits and controls, and build credit together.
Podcasts
- Subscription support for channels and individual shows.
AirTag and Find My
- Instead of a phone number, the Lost mode option adds an email address for AirTag and Find My network accessories.
- AirTag will show the partially masked phone number of the owner when tapped with an NFC-capable device
Accessibility
- Voice Control users can unlock their iPhone for the first time after a restart using only their voice
This release also fixes the following issues:
- After using Lock iPhone on Apple Watch, Unlock with Apple Watch may not work.
- Reminders may appear as blank lines.
- Call blocking extensions may not appear in Settings.
- Bluetooth devices sometimes disconnect abruptly or send audio to a different device during an active call.
- iPhone experiencing reduced performance during startup.
You can download the latest update over the air, if you like. Just follow the steps exactly as written:
- Make sure your iPhone or iPad has 50% or more battery life, otherwise you have to connect it to a charger
- Connect to Wi-Fi
- Launch the Settings app
- Navigate to General > Software Update
- Tap on Download and Install when the new update shows up
Download iOS 14.6 and iPadOS 14.6 IPSW
- iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XS
- iPhone 11, iPhone XR
- iPhone X
- iPhone 8, iPhone 7
- iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 7 Plus
- 2020 iPhone SE 2
- iPhone SE
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 6s Plus
- iPod touch seventh-generation
- iPad Air 4
- 10.2-inch iPad 8
- 11-in. iPad Pro (3rd generation), 12.9-in. iPad Pro (5th generation)
- 11-in. iPad Pro (1st and 2nd generations), 12.9-in. iPad Pro (3rd and 4th generations)
- 10.5-inch iPad Pro (1st generation), 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2nd generation)
- iPad (5th generation), iPad (6th generation)
- iPad mini (5th generation), iPad Air (3rd generation)
- 10.2-inch iPad (7th generation)
- iPad mini 4, iPad Air 2
- 9.7-inch iPad Pro (1st generation)
- 12.9-inch iPad Pro (1st generation)
watchOS 7.5
Apple watchOS update 7.5 has been released, the update includes a handful of changes including Podcast subscription support and expanded ECG support in Malaysia and Peru.
Those living in Malaysia and Peru, as long as they have a Series 4 or above model, will be pleased to learn that ECG has been enabled on their watches. All they have to do is install the watchOS 7.5 update and they are good to go.
Just like the iPhone and iPad software updates, this update adds support for Apple Card Family and Podcast app subscription support.
watchOS 7.5 Features and Changes:
- Access to subscription content in Podcasts app.
- Apple Card allows members to track expenses, manage spending, and build credit together with a Family Sharing group.
- Support for the ECG app on Apple Watch Series 4 or later in Malaysia and Peru.
- Support for irregular heart rhythm notifications in Malaysia and Peru.
With that out of the away, here is how you can download and install watchOS 7.5 onto your Apple Watch right away:
- Place the Apple Watch on its magnetic charger and also make sure that the battery life is 50% or more
- On your iPhone, launch the Watch app.
- Tap on General and then Software Update.
- Let the page refresh and then tap on Download and Install when the new 7.5 update shows up.
watchOS updates usually take a while to download and install, you shouldn’t be surprised if it takes an unusually long time. As long as on the display there is an Apple logo with a progress bar around it, you are all good. Just give it some time and you can start using your Apple Watch like normal again.
watch OS 7.6 will also be released in just a month’s time. Stay tuned for more updates.
macOS Big Sur 11.4
Over the air download for macOS Big Sur 11.4 is available right away for Mac users. The update includes Podcast subscription support and bug fixes.
By now you must have realised that the new updates released today have one thing in common – Podcast subscription support. So, when it comes to macOS Big Sur 11.4, we don’t see anything too different. This update also goes further to fix a lot of bugs.
macOS Big Sur 11.4 Features and Changes:
Podcasts
- Apple Podcasts subscriptions are available for purchase via annual as well as monthly subscriptions.
- Collections of shows from podcast creators are grouped together by Channels.
This release also fixes the following issues:
- Bookmarks in Safari may get moved into a folder that can appear hidden or get reordered.
- Certain websites may malfunction after your Mac wakes from sleep
- Keywords may not be included when exporting a photo from the Photos app
- When searching PDF documents preview may become unresponsive
- 16-inch MacBook may become unresponsive when playing Civilization VI
In order to download the latest macOS Big Sur 11.4 update, follow the steps outlined below. These steps apply to both Intel and Apple M1 Macs:
- Launch System Preferences
- Click on Software Update
- Install the available system update from here
Considering the fact that your Mac will restart several times during the entire installation process, it is best that you save your work before you go ahead with this.
tvOS 14.6
Support for Podcast subscriptions has also been added to the last and final update we will talk about today, the latest tvOS 14.6. Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K users can now download the update that also comes with bug fixes.
In order to download the latest tvOS update onto your Apple TV, follow the steps exactly as they are written below:
- Turn on the Apple TV
- Launch the Settings app
- Scroll down and open System
- Now open Software Update
- Install the latest available update from here
There isn’t anything extraordinary in this update, so you shouldn’t have high hopes from it.
