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iOS 14.5 has arrived: Download and install it on your iPhone and iPad right now

Apple's latest update for your iPhone or iPad is here, in the form of iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5. Here's what you need to know.

Jason Cipriani
Jason Cipriani
Jason Cipriani Contributing Writer, ZDNet
Jason Cipriani is based out of beautiful Colorado and has been covering mobile technology news and reviewing the latest gadgets for the last six years. His work can also be found on sister site CNET in the How To section, as well as across several more online publications.
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alisondeniscorayome
Alison DeNisco Rayome Managing Editor
Managing Editor Alison DeNisco Rayome joined CNET in 2019, and is a member of the Home team. She is a co-lead of the CNET Tips and We Do the Math series, and manages the Home Tips series, testing out new hacks for cooking, cleaning and tinkering with all of the gadgets and appliances in your house. Alison was previously an editor at TechRepublic.
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Jason Cipriani
Alison DeNisco Rayome
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The latest software update for your iPhone or iPad is here. 

 Sarah Tew/CNET

Apple's latest update for the iPhone and iPad is out now, and it brings a ton of new features. iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5 include several new features and improvements. For example, you can now unlock your iPhone using Face ID when wearing a facial covering, and you'll now have the option to stop apps from tracking you across the web and other apps. There are also new Siri voices to choose from.

The release of iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5 comes after Apple's first event of 2021, where the company announced new iPad Pro models, the Tile-like AirTag, a new Apple TV with a new remote, a purple iPhone and colorful iMacs.

If you're ready to jump right into Apple's latest operating system for your phone or tablet, I'll walk you through the steps below. However, it might be a good idea to wait a few days before installing new software in case there are any issues. Keep in mind, if you take the plunge now, going back to iOS 14.4 isn't really possible.

See also

Wait: Get your iPhone or iPad ready before installing the update

It's easy to get really excited and install a new software update and all of its fancy features the moment it's available, but don't get too overzealous. I suggest taking a few minutes to do some routine maintenance on your iPhone or iPad before tapping on that install button. 

Not only will it help ensure a smooth update, but you'll free up storage and clutter in the process, and you'll have a fresh backup at the ready should anything go wrong when you install the update. 

We have a guide that walks you through cleaning up your device's storage and the best method for creating a backup. 

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Does your phone run iOS 13? Then it will run iOS 14. 

 Angela Lang/CNET

Which iPhones and iPads are supported?

Apple is keeping its portfolio of supported iPhone and iPad models the same as for iOS 13. 

Devices that will support iOS 14, iPadOS 14

iPhone 12 Pro Max iPad Pro 12.9-inch (fourth generation)
iPhone 12 Pro iPad Pro 11-inch (second generation)
iPhone 12 iPad Pro 12.9-inch (third generation)
iPhone 12 Mini iPad Pro 11-inch (first generation)
Phone 11 iPad Pro 12.9-inch (second generation)
iPhone 11 Pro iPad Pro 12.9-inch (first generation)
iPhone 11 Pro Max iPad Pro 10.5-inch
iPhone XS iPad Pro 9.7-inch
iPhone XS Max iPad (seventh generation)
iPhone XR iPad (sixth generation)
iPhone X iPad (fifth generation)
iPhone 8 iPad Mini (fifth generation)
iPhone 8 Plus iPad Mini 4
iPhone 7 iPad Air (third generation)
iPhone 7 Plus iPad Air 2
iPhone 6s
iPhone 6s Plus
iPhone SE (first generation)
iPhone SE (second generation)
iPod Touch (seventh generation)

How to install iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5 

The good news is if you've ever installed a software update on your phone or tablet, you'll feel right at home installing iOS 14.5. It installs just like any other software update, there aren't any extra steps you need to take. That said, It's a good idea to have your device plugged into a charger to ensure you don't drain the battery, and a strong Wi-Fi connection will help speed up the process without burning through your data plan. On your iPhone or iPad, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Select General. 

3. Tap Software Update. 

Your device will connect to Apple's servers and prompt you to download and install the update. Follow the prompts to complete the installation. When your device reboots, it will be running iOS 14.5 or iPadOS 14.5. 

Now that you have the latest software up and running, check out this list of our favorite iOS 14.5 features and how to use them, and how to choose from the new Siri voices. 

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Watch this: What's new in iOS 14.5?