Apple is hard at work on an iOS 14.5 update, an update that will offer a wide array of new features to the iPhone, and that update is scheduled to drop next week ahead of the AirTag Key Finder launch. But that's not the only iOS update Apple has in store.

Last week, Apple released iOS 14.6 to developers, and the day after that it released a public beta of iOS 14.6 that anyone can download.

It is unclear exactly what new features iOS 14.6 will bring, but certain changes are immediately available. If you are already testing the iOS beta, you can continue working with that release candidate or jump to the new beta that is available.

This is a pretty big deal. It allows iPhone users who are testing a beta to decide whether or not to install the new version, rather than automatically seeing an update. This move will encourage more people to try Apple's public beta.

If you are already in the iOS beta program to test iOS 14.5, you can see the effects of this new approach. Launch the Settings app, tap General, and select Software Update. At the top of the screen, you will see the current iOS 14.5 beta status. Below that, at the bottom of the screen, you will see a new line to access the iOS 14.6 beta.

To sign up for Apple's beta program, go to the beta software web page using the device on which you want to install the beta software; sign up using your Apple ID and follow the instructions to get the latest iOS beta version.

iOS 14.5 adds AirTag support in addition to other features, such as the ability to unlock the phone with the Apple Watch. There are also new Siri voice options and changes to the Maps, Podcasts, News, and Reminders apps.

As mid-release cycle updates, these additions are noteworthy, but the main event will come later this year when iOS 15 debuts. It is the next major release for Apple's iPhone software and we expect to see a preview at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June.