Apple iOS 14.2 is here and it is filled with fixes, new options and over 100 new emoji. However following the troubled iOS 14.1 release, does iOS 14.2 get Apple again on observe?. Right here’s all the things you want to know.
Tip: bookmark this web page as a result of I’ll hold it updated if/when new issues are discovered. I’ll ship my last verdict in every week.

Apple iOS 14
Apple
Who Is It For?
Apple iOS 14.2 is out there for all iOS 13-compatible units. Meaning the iPhone 6S and newer and seventh technology iPod contact. You must obtain an replace notification robotically however, if not, you’ll be able to set off the replace manually by navigating to Settings > Normal > Software program Replace. Beta testers, in case you are working a later model of iOS 14 if you learn this (see ‘The Highway Forward’ part on the finish), you could unenroll your iPhone earlier than iOS 14.2 will present up.
iPad house owners, Apple has moved you to iPadOS. This isn’t an iPadOS-focused information, however I’ll contact upon pertinent points in these guides.
The Deal Breakers
On the time of writing, jailbreakers ought to steer clear of this new model of iOS. Unc0ver stays caught on iOS 13.5 whereas checkra1n has an iOS 14 jailbreak (not iOS 14.2), however it’s restricted to Apple units working A9(X) chipsets and older.
Following the problems with iOS 14.1, it seems to be like iOS 14.2 is off to a a lot better begin. It isn’t bug free – I’m seeing remoted stories of points with WiFi stability, ongoing Health bugs and a vibration bug – however no sample of any widespread issues. Even Reddit is calm.
So What Do You Get?
Apple lists the next iOS 14.2 upgrades:
- Over 100 new emoji, together with animals, meals, faces, family objects, musical devices, gender-inclusive emoji, and extra
- Eight new wallpapers in each gentle and darkish mode variations
- Magnifier can detect folks close by, and report their distance utilizing the LiDAR sensor included in iPhone 12 Professional and iPhone 12 Professional Max
- Assist for iPhone 12 Leather-based Sleeve with MagSafe
- Optimized battery charging for AirPods to gradual the speed of battery getting old by lowering the time your AirPods spend absolutely charged
- Headphone audio degree notifications to warn you when audio degree might impression your listening to
- New AirPlay controls to stream leisure all through your house
- Intercom help with HomePod and HomePod mini utilizing iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, and CarPlay
- Capability to attach HomePod to Apple TV 4K for stereo, encompass sound, and Dolby Atmos audio
- Possibility to offer statistics about Publicity Notifications, with out figuring out you, to collaborating Public Well being Authorities
The quite a few new emoji are the headline right here however the enhancements to AirPlay management, AirPods battery optimization and improved Publicity Notifications are extra essential upgrades. Whereas the flexibility to now join the HomePod to Apple TV for premium audio is nice information.
iOS 14.2 additionally accommodates a lot of fixes for the next issues:
- Apps might be out of order on the Dwelling Display screen dock
- Digital camera viewfinder might seem black when launched
- The keyboard on the Lock Display screen might miss touches when making an attempt to enter the passcode
- Reminders might default to occasions previously
- Images widget might not show content material
- Climate widget might show the excessive temperature in Celsius when set to Fahrenheit
- Subsequent-hour precipitation chart description in Climate might incorrectly point out when precipitation stops
- Voice Memos recordings are interrupted by incoming calls
- The display screen might be black throughout Netflix video playback
- Apple Money might fail to ship or obtain cash when requested through Siri
- Apple Watch app might unexpectedly shut when opened
- Exercise GPS routes or Well being knowledge are prevented from syncing between Apple Watch and iPhone for some customers
- Audio is incorrectly labeled as “Not Enjoying” within the CarPlay Dashboard
- Units might be prevented from charging wirelessly
- Publicity Notifications is disabled when restoring iPhone from iCloud Backup or transferring knowledge to a brand new iPhone utilizing iPhone Migration
The oddity right here is the excessive profile issues with resetting mail and browser defaults (reintroduced by iOS 14.1) should not talked about right here. That stated, I stay hopeful of an unlisted repair since complaints about this situation have seemingly disappeared since iOS 14.2 was launched.
Lastly, Apple’s official security page lists 24 safety patches bundled with iOS 14.2, together with fixes for browser, keyboard and audio vulnerabilities. Crucially, three patches handle exploits for vulnerabilities which Apple acknowledges had been within the wild and due to this fact a tangible risk.
Apple iOS 14.2 Verdict: Trying Good
As at all times with my sizzling takes at 24 hours, there may be nonetheless time for issues to be found given solely a small proportion of customers have up to date at this stage. That stated, out of the gate iOS 14.2 seems to be like probably the most steady iOS updates in a while. Additionally it is full of new options, emoji and a few essential safety updates.
Cautious upgraders ought to await my last verdict, which I ship one week after launch, however keen updaters will likely be happy to know there aren’t any apparent showstoppers at this level.
The Highway Forward
On the time of publication, Apple has but to launch the following model of iOS 14 for beta testers. That is considerably uncommon, given the common overlap lately. The chance of an iOS 14.2.1 replace will rely on whether or not iOS 14.2 did repair the mail/browser default bug (given it was not listed within the launch notes), in any other case Apple might have a transparent path to maneuver straight to iOS 14.3.
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