Apple has released its latest update to iOS, bringing a headline feature that gives iPhone users more power to prevent apps tracking their behaviour in order to create profiles of them for targeted advertisements.

This tracking control is by far the most high-profile addition, sparking widespread acclaim from many data privacy advocates and criticism from advertisers.

But there a few more practical features arriving in iOS 14.5 that may benefit you, notably one for anyone who regularly struggles to unlock their phone while wearing a face mask.

If you haven't yet received the update notification, then you can trigger the download on your iPhone or iPad under "Settings/General/Software update".

Once you've installed it, you'll find a new menu item under "Settings/Privacy/Tracking" where you'll be given the new option to allow apps to request tracking.

Stop following me

The reason for this new option is that some apps controversially monitor not only what you do in the app itself, but also track your behaviour on other websites and services, allowing services like Facebook or Google to see which other websites you visit and apps you use. From iOS 14.5 onwards, you have the option to turn off this tracking.

Active Tracking Transparency (ATT) is the name of this new function. First of all, it makes it clear to all users which excessively curious apps are tracking you across various apps and services.

You'll also be able to set different preferences for each app and view a list of all your tracking settings, meaning iPhone owners can still opt to allow tracking on certain or all apps.

If you deactivate the ATT function in your settings, you'll no longer receive any requests from apps at all and Apple says these programmes will then also be prevented from collecting extended usage data.

It's important to know that the new ATT function does not mean that app developers can no longer collect data on you, and apps will still be able to track you for targeted advertising inside any one app.

However, ATT essentially solves a problem that has long been criticised by data protection activists, namely that apps have been snooping on users in other places to build extensive profiles and generate tracking advertising.

Unlock with your watch

Another interesting innovation in iOS 14.5 affects owners of an Apple Watch. You can now unlock your iPhone while you're wearing a face mask using a new FaceID option in the settings, where you can tell your phone to "Unlock with Apple Watch."

In future, the device can simply be unlocked without entering a code as long as the selected watch is unlocked and in the direct vicinity of the iPhone, similar to Android smartwatches.

This is also practical for contactless payment with Apple Pay, as previously, this required entering a code twice, once on each device.

There's also a new swipe gesture to make it easier to fill playlists more quickly in Apple Music.

To do this, you swipe a song from left to right so that two buttons become visible: A blue one that catapults the song to the top of the playlist as the next song, and an orange button that puts the song at the end of the list.

Finally, anyone who already owns some of the newly announced AirTags will now be able to use these to find their pets or everyday items like wallets, bags or keys.

 - dpa