Apple's iOS 15.4 includes a plethora of new iPhone capabilities. This features new emoji, the long-awaited Universal Control, enhanced privacy controls, and a Face ID that works when wearing a mask. (All of these capabilities are also accessible on the iPad with iPadOS 15.4.) Since then, Apple has released iOS 15.4.1, a small iPhone update that addresses a battery-draining flaw as well as security vulnerabilities.
As the name suggests, iOS 15.4 is the fourth significant upgrade to iOS 15, which was released in September alongside the iPhone 13. These upgrades, which began with the December release of iOS 15.1, have brought new capabilities and upgraded existing ones to Apple's iPhone operating system. iOS 15.4 is the follow-up to iOS 15.3.1, which was published last month to address a security flaw in iPhones and iPads.
Is iOS 15.4 already available?
Yes, on March 14, both iOS 15.4 and iPadOS 15.4 were launched. According to Apple, the new green iPhone 13, alpine green iPhone 13 Pro, and new iPhone SE all come with iOS 15.4 installed.
How do I get iOS 15.4?
Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Download and Install to get iOS 15.4. The 15.4 update is over a gigabit in size, so make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi to prevent depleting your monthly data allowance.
What exactly is Universal Control?
Other Apple devices may be used as second displays using Universal Control, allowing you to smoothly move content between them while only using one device. This much-anticipated feature was previously announced as part of MacOS Monterey, but it was postponed during the autumn, with a revised release date pointing to "this spring." Universal Control was included in the iOS 15.4 beta and was made available as a public beta alongside the Monterey OS 12.3 and iPadOS 15.4 releases.
Because Universal Control is still in beta, anticipate some glitches here and there. Also, keep in mind that the feature is not available on all devices. According to Apple, Universal Control is available on:
MacBook Pro (2016 and later)
MacBook (2016 and later)
MacBook Air (2018 and later)
iMac (2017 and later)
iMac (5K Retina 27-inch, late 2015)
iMac Pro
Mac Mini (2018 and later)
Mac Pro (2019)
iPad Pro
iPad Air (third generation and later)
iPad (sixth generation and later)
iPad Mini (fifth generation and later)
Apple specifies that in order to use Universal Control, "Both devices must be logged into iCloud with the same Apple ID and two-factor authentication enabled. To use wirelessly, both devices must be turned on for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Handoff and be within 10 meters (30 feet) of each other. [The] iPad and Mac cannot possibly share a cellular and internet connection. You must trust your Mac on the iPad in order to utilize it through USB."
Can I use my Face ID while wearing a mask?
Apple has improved its Face ID function so that it may be used while wearing a mask on the iPhone 12 and subsequent models. Because Face ID uses a smaller piece of your face to authenticate your identity, you'll need to be more specific about the angle you hold your phone when using it. Your phone will even notify you if it requires you to look at the screen more closely. The revised functionality should work for persons who wear glasses, but it will not work for people who use sunglasses.
What new emojis are there?
If you're the type of person who takes delight in using unique and amusing emoji, iOS 15.4 is for you. The update includes 37 new emojis, including new options for pregnant people, hands forming a heart shape, a salute, and my personal favorite, a lip-biting emoji. These were shown last fall and feature a melting face, a crying face, a bird's nest, coral, a lotus, a low battery, and kidney beans.
Other features of iOS 15.4
The operating system upgrade also includes new safety-focused updates for AirTags, which have recently come under scrutiny following allegations of the devices being used to stalk individuals.
The 15.4 update also changes the emergency call shortcut "call with five pushes" from a default setting to an option, which means the function will not be activated until you choose it. The hold-and-press feature for the volume and side buttons is still enabled by default.
SharePlay also received some improvements, allowing some apps to initiate SharePlay calls directly from the app, rather than requiring you to initiate a SharePlay call and then launch the app. Developers will need to update their apps properly, so anticipate this option to become available gradually.
The option to copy text from objects using the camera while in the Notes or Reminders apps is also added in the update. In addition, as reported by ZDNet, iOS 15.4 resolves an issue with recordings of Siri interactions.
For more Apple news, check out your iPhone as a payment terminal and Apple's potential slew of new items this autumn. Also, how does the 2022 iPhone SE compare to the 2020 model, and should you buy an earlier iPhone SE now?
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