iOS 14.2 beta includes Shazam media control, redesigned media controls, and more

Apple has recently seeded the first beta of iOS 14.2 and iPadOS 14.2 updates to developers, just one day after releasing the iOS 14 publically and a few hours after hinting at the iOS 14.2 beta in an Xcode beta update.

It is unclear why Apple has jumped to the iOS 14.2 build. The Cupertino tech giant may release iOS 14.1 separately as a bug-fixing update, or it could skip that point release completely. Most of the beta’s changes appear to be focused on the iOS Control Center. Here is everything new in the beta update.

iOS 14

Everything New in the iOS 14.2 beta Update

One of the biggest changes in the latest software update is a brand new Shazam toggle that can be added to Control Center. To add the new Shazam music recognition toggle to Control Center, open the Settings app, choose “Control Center,” then look for Shazam beneath the “More Controls” header. Then, add the Shazam toggle and rearrange.

iOS 14.2 Shazam

Furthermore, Music controls in Control Center got a redesign, complete with music recommendations that appear when nothing is being played. The media player control now shows a large album art preview of currently playing music. A small icon of the app which is playing the content is also shown in the bottom right corner of the artwork.

Also included in the beta is a new accessibility option called “People Detection” that, when activated, allows users with weak eyesight to open a Magnifier to determine the distance to a nearby person.

Lastly, the Watch app icon has been refreshed to reflect the new Apple Watch Solo loop bands that do not have a buckle or strap.

iOS 14.2 Watch app icon

This is the first beta version of the upcoming iOS 14.2 update, and Apple will likely release a public beta soon.

Registered developers can easily update their devices on the latest iOS 14.2 beta via the Settings app > General > Software update. Since the software is more likely not stable in the beta phase and can lead to issues like data loss, it is advised to install them on secondary devices.

About the Author

Asma is an editor at iThinkDifferent with a strong focus on social media, Apple news, streaming services, guides, mobile gaming, app reviews, and more. When not blogging, Asma loves to play with her cat, draw, and binge on Netflix shows.