Just one month after the last update, Apple has pulled the trigger on iOS 14.6 and iPadOS 14.6 to bring some handy new features and prepare for the upcoming audio improvements due to follow in June.
While the iOS 14.5 update included some major feature updates, such as the ability to unlock your iPhone using your watch and the new app tracking warnings, iOS 14.6 brings smaller changes, but ones that will be important next month.
The new Apple Card Family option allows you to share your Apple Card with up to five members of your household, which can include children 13 years or older. The main cardholder can set limits and controls on additional cards. All users are also able to build up their credit – not just the main cardholder.
- How to watch Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC)
- Apple Watch 7 will have a completely new look, and it’s about time
- Google Phone is getting a cool new feature to make you feel like a boss
An update for AirTag and Find My allows user to provide an email address instead of a phone number when putting the device into lost mode. AirTag will also show a partial phone number of its owner when tapped with an NFC-capable device. This could be helpful in identifying tags among friends and family.
Subscription support is now added for podcast channels and shows, and voice control users can unlock their phone after a restart using voice. Previously, the code was still needed the first time it was unlocked.
Perhaps most importantly, the iOS 14.6 update prepares the iPhone and iPad for the Apple Music audio improvements, including Spatial Audio, Dolby Atmos and Lossless Audio, due to be launched next month, after their announcement earlier in May.
How to download iOS 14.6
If your phone is set to auto updates, you should get the new update the next time you plug your phone in. However, if you can’t wait, he’s how to do it manually:
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Go to Settings > Select General > Software Update.
You’ll need to be plugged in and ideally on WiFi to allow a fast download. The process can take a bit of time, so plan have no phone access for at least 30 minutes.
As T3's Editor-in-Chief, Mat Gallagher has his finger on the pulse for the latest advances in technology. He has written about technology since 2003 and after stints in Beijing, Hong Kong and Chicago is now based in the UK. He’s a true lover of gadgets, but especially anything that involves cameras, Apple, electric cars, musical instruments or travel.
-
When is Black Friday 2024 – this Friday or next? Here's the official answer
Black Friday is on 29 November in 2024 – a week later than the year previous. But that's not stopped retailers putting on their sales...
By Mike Lowe Published
-
Forget Black Friday, F1 24 is completely free for a limited time
This top racing game has a free weekend
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
iPhone 17 Slim tipped to be the thinnest iPhone Apple’s ever made
Could make the iPhone 16 look massive
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
An Apple flatscreen TV could be back on the cards again
It might take a while though...
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Apple AirTag 2 upgrade will bring better range, improved privacy, and a stalker-proof speaker, says insider
Apple's useful little thing-finders are reportedly getting a big refresh in 2025
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
Google pulls a masterstroke by getting Gemini onto UK iPhones before Apple Intelligence
The standalone app is available now
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
iOS 18.2 release date leaked – the day when Apple Intelligence comes to the UK
Though nothing is official just yet
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Apple TV's next big update adds a hugely useful new feature
We love a bit of customisation
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Apple Vision Pro 2 still on the cards, could come as soon as next year
The Vision Pro story is set to continue
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Future Apple Watch models could ditch the battery and get power from a surprising source
The future of wearable batteries could be no battery at all
By Carrie Marshall Published