One fo the biggest features to arrive alongside iOS 14 is the ability to change your default browser and email apps. This is something that Android users have had forever, and it only makes sense for Apple to open up the walled gardens just a bit. With so many great and fantastic apps available to download on the App Store, the change was logical.
However, iOS and iPadOS users aren’t stopping there. There have been many requests submitted for Apple to change the default music player. For years, we have been relegated to only being able to use Apple Music, but that’s all changing with iOS 14.5.
What’s new in iOS 14.5?
At first glance, you would think that iOS 14.5 was more than just a “point” release. There are quite a few new features that aim to improve your day-to-day life. Most notably, if you own an iPhone and a compatible Apple Watch, you can actually unlock your iPhone via your Watch while wearing a mask.
Other new features include bringing AirPlay 2 support for Fitness+, which is rather useful considering how many new TVs are being released with AirPlay 2 onboard. Plus, there’s additional support for the brand new Xbox Core and Sony DualSense next-gen gaming controllers. The real benefits here go to the DualSense, as there are just more sensors built-in. But it’s still great to see Apple bringing support for both.
Finally, iOS 14.5 finally brings support for 5G connectivity if you are using your iPhone with dual SIMs. Previously, this was locked to only one SIM at a time, but now, you can experience 5G with both SIMs installed.
It’s important to note that iOS 14.5 is still in its infancy, as it’s just now making its way through the Developer Beta program. However, Apple has already released the iOS 14.5.2 beta, so it shouldn’t be long before the public version is released.
How to change your default Music app with Siri
As we mentioned above, iPhone and iPad users have been clamoring for the ability to switch the default music application. Even though there are a plethora of ways to get Apple Music for free, some folks just like to stick with the likes of Spotify or another music streaming service.
With the iOS 14.5 beta, you can finally switch out the default music app when making requests with Siri. Previously, you would make a request, and even if you had all of the other music streaming apps installed, Siri would default to Apple Music. But that’s not longer the case. Here’s how you can change your default music app when using Siri:
Press and hold the Side Button until the Siri logo appears.
Say “play X song”, in our example, we asked Siri to play ‘Immigrant Song’ by Led Zeppelin.
Pick a music application from the list.
Once completed, Siri will submit your request and the song will begin playing from whatever service you selected. However, it’s important to note that there are more apps available than just music players. For example, when we tried to play ‘Immigrant Song’ by Led Zeppelin, Siri provided more app suggestions such as Dark Noise and Books.
Conclusion
It’s absolutely fantastic to see Apple open up the walled gardens piece by piece. It may have taken until iOS 14.5 and the iPhone 12, but it’s finally happening. Now, it’s just a matter of time before we can actually place icons wherever we want on the Home Screen. But hey, that’s a request for another day, and we’re hoping that Apple brings the magic with iOS 15.
Andrew is a freelance writer based on the East Coast of the US.
He has written for a variety of sites over the years, including iMore, Android Central, Phandroid, and a few others. Now, he spends his days working for an HVAC company, while moonlighting as a freelance writer at night.
Write a Comment