Apple Releases iOS 14.2 With New Emoji, Wallpapers, Bug Fixes, And More

Apple has released iOS 14.2 and iPadOS 14.2 to the general public today. The update is available for download on iPhones and iPads, users can locate the update through the Settings app, then General -> Software Update.

iOS 14.2 introduces over 100 new emoji, eight new wallpapers in both light and dark mode versions, Intercom for HomePod and HomePod mini, support for MagSafe, Headphone audio level notification, optimized battery charging for AirPods, a number of bug fixes, and more.

Here are the release notes:

iOS 14.2 includes the following improvements for your iPhone:

- Over 100 new emoji, including animals, food, faces, household objects, musical instruments, gender-inclusive emoji, and more

- Eight new wallpapers in both light and dark mode versions

- Magnifier can detect people nearby, and report their distance using the LiDAR sensor included in iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max

- Support for iPhone 12 Leather Sleeve with MagSafe

- Optimized battery charging for AirPods to slow the rate of battery aging by reducing the time your AirPods spends fully charged

- Headphone audio level notifications to alert you when audio level could impact your hearing

- New AirPlay controls to stream entertainment throughout your home

- Intercom support with HomePod and HomePod mini using iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, and CarPlay

- Ability to connect HomePod to Apple TV 4K for stereo, surround sound, and Dolby Atmos audio

- Option to provide statistics about Exposure Notifications, without identifying you, to participating Public Health Authorities

This release also fixes the following issues:

- Apps could be out of order on the Home Screen dock

- Camera viewfinder may appear black when launched

- The keyboard on the Lock Screen could miss touches when trying to enter the passcode

- Reminders could default to times in the past

- Photos widget may not display content

- Weather widget could display the high temperature in Celsius when set to Fahrenheit

- Next-hour precipitation chart description in Weather could incorrectly indicate when precipitation stops

- Voice Memos recordings are interrupted by incoming calls

- The screen could be black during Netflix video playback

- Apple Cash could fail to send or receive money when asked via Siri

- Apple Watch app may unexpectedly close when opened

- Workout GPS routes or Health data are prevented from syncing between Apple Watch and iPhone for some users

- Audio is incorrectly labeled as “Not Playing” in the CarPlay Dashboard

- Devices could be prevented from charging wirelessly

- Exposure Notifications is disabled when restoring iPhone from iCloud Backup or transferring data to a new iPhone using iPhone Migration

In addition to iOS 14.2, Apple today also released watchOS 7.1 with support for the ECG app on Apple Watch in South Korea and Russia, Mac unlocking issue fix, headphone audio warnings, and more. tvOS 14.2 is also available today, however, it's unclear what new features and changes it includes.