The most recent iOS improve brings dozens of recent emoji to your iPhone.
Sarah Tew/CNET
Have you ever downloaded Apple’s newest iPhone replace? iOS 15.4 has been out and out there to the general public for a pair weeks, and if you have not but put in the brand new cell working system, you are lacking out on a slew of helpful options. iOS 15.4 brings the long-awaited Common Management, Face ID that works when you’re sporting a masks, 37 new emoji and bolstered privateness measures to your iPhone (and iPad via iPadOS 15.4).
Because the title denotes, iOS 15.4 is the fourth main replace to iOS 15, which launched with the iPhone 13 in September. These updates, which began with December’s iOS 15.1 launch, have added extra options to Apple’s iPhone working system and improved current ones. iOS 15.4 follows iOS 15.3.1, which was launched final month to patch a safety vulnerability in iPhones and iPads.
When was the iOS 15.4 launch date?
Each iOS 15.4 and iPadOS 15.4 have been launched on March 14. The brand new inexperienced iPhone 13, the alpine inexperienced iPhone 13 Professional and the brand new iPhone SE will include iOS 15.4 preloaded, in response to Apple.
How do I obtain iOS 15.4?
You possibly can obtain iOS 15.4 by going to Settings > Common > Software program Replace > Obtain and Set up. The 15.4 replace is greater than a gigabyte, so ensure you’re related to Wi-Fi to keep away from chewing via your month-to-month information allotment.
What’s Common Management?
Common Management helps you to use different Apple gadgets as second screens, transferring content material seamlessly between them utilizing just one gadget. This eagerly anticipated function was initially introduced as a part of MacOS Monterey, however was delayed over the autumn, with a brand new timeline pointing to “this spring.” Common Management was a part of the iOS 15.4 beta, and launched as a public beta with the Monterey OS 12.3 and iPadOS 15.4 updates.
As a result of Common Management continues to be in beta, anticipate to run into some points at times. And word that the function does not work on each gadget. Apple says Common management is on the market on:
- MacBook Professional (2016 and later)
- MacBook (2016 and later)
- MacBook Air (2018 and later)
- iMac (2017 and later)
- iMac (5K Retina 27-inch, late 2015)
- iMac Professional
- Mac Mini (2018 and later)
- Mac Professional (2019)
- iPad Professional
- iPad Air (third technology and later)
- iPad (sixth technology and later)
- iPad Mini (fifth technology and later)
Apple notes that to make use of Common Management, “Each gadgets have to be signed in to iCloud with the identical Apple ID utilizing two-factor authentication. To make use of wirelessly, each gadgets should have Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Handoff turned on and have to be inside 10 meters (30 ft) of one another. [The] iPad and Mac should not be sharing a mobile and web connection. To make use of over USB, you have to belief your Mac on the iPad.”
Watch this:
New Green Finishes Coming for iPhone 13
1:11
Can I use Face ID with masks?
Apple has updated its Face ID feature to be usable on the iPhone 12 and newer models even while wearing a mask. Because the feature uses a smaller portion of your face to verify your identity, you’ll need to be more precise about the angle you’re holding your phone at when using Face ID. Your phone will even prompt you if it needs you to look more directly at the screen. The updated feature should work for people who wear glasses, but it won’t work with sunglasses.
Read more: iOS 15.4 Finally Lets You Unlock Your iPhone With a Mask On. Here’s How
What new emoji are included?
If you’re the kind of person who prides yourself on creative and fun emoji use, you’re going to love iOS 15.4. There are 37 new emoji in the update, including new options for pregnant people, hands forming a heart shape, a salute and — my personal favorite — a lip-biting emoji. These were revealed last fall, and also include a melting face, a face holding back tears, a bird’s nest, coral, a lotus, a low battery and kidney beans.
Other iOS 15.4 features
The operating system update also brings new safety-focused updates to AirTags, which have been under the spotlight after reports of the devices being used to stalk people.
The 15.4 update also changes the emergency call shortcut “call with five presses” from a default setting to an option, meaning the feature won’t be enabled unless you choose to allow it. The hold-and-press option for the side and volume buttons remains enabled by default.
SharePlay received some updates as well, allowing some apps to start SharePlay calls from the app, rather than your needing to start a SharePlay call and then open the app. Developers will have to update their apps accordingly, so expect this option to roll out over time.
Another feature included in the update is the ability to copy text from objects using the camera while in the Notes or Reminders apps. And, as spotted by ZDNet, iOS 15.4 also fixes a bug related to recordings of Siri interactions.
For more Apple news, read about your iPhone as a payment terminal and Apple’s possible wide array of new products for this fall. Also, here’s how the 2022 iPhone SE compares with the 2020 version, and whether you should buy an older iPhone SE now.