Following several beta releases, Apple is now releasing the definitive version of iOS 16.4 to the public. The software update brings new and smaller features with some already announced with iOS 16 back last year. Here’s everything what’s new about the latest iOS 16.4 update.
The same as iOS 16, the version 16.4 supports the iPhone 8 series and later models all the way to the iPhone 14. Availability of the features varies depending on the model. And apart from the added items, iOS 16.4 also brings bug fixes and the latest security patches to the compatible iPhones.
What’s new with iOS 16.4: Emojis to 5G Standalone
The most notable enhancements to iOS 16.4 which were already mentioned in the previous beta versions are the web app notifications on the home screen and a set of 21 new emojis. Depending on the carrier, 5G standalone is arriving in the states and a few countries in addition to 5G support for Turkey.
Under the accessibility, VoiceOver will come to Maps in the Weather app. A new strobe and flashlight effect reduction toggle is available for select player and streaming apps including YouTube. Voice Isolation option is also coming to cellular voice calls which was only limited to Face Time calls before.
Duplicate photos can be detected for iCloud Shared albums in Photos. Apple is also resolving the issue where Ask to Buy requests from children’s accounts will not appear on the parent’s iPhone or iPad. And for iPhone 14 (review) and iPhone 14 Pro (review) users, Apple is again optimizing Crash Detection to avoid further false triggers caused by high-speed sports.
This update includes the following enhancements and bug fixes:
● 21 new emoji including animals, hand gestures, and objects are now available in emoji keyboard
● Notifications for web apps added to the Home Screen
● Voice Isolation for cellular calls prioritizes your voice and blocks out ambient noise around you
● Duplicates album in Photos expands support to detect duplicate photos and videos in an iCloud Shared Photo Library
● VoiceOver support for maps in the Weather app
● Accessibility setting to automatically dim video when flashes of light or strobe effects are detected
● Fixes an issue where Ask to Buy requests from children may fail to appear on the parent’s device
● Addresses issues where Matter-compatible thermostats could become unresponsive when paired to Apple Home
● Crash Detection optimizations on iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models
Changes not mentioned in the release notes of iOS 16.4: Apple Music to Books
As far as those items not highlighted in the official release notes, there are minor and important changes happening to other apps and services, such as in Apple Music, Apple CarPlay, and Podcasts apps. At the same time, Apple is also releasing its dedicated Apple Music Classical starting today.
In Books, a curl animation is added on top of the slide effect when turning a page while Shortcuts used for automation received a handful of actions. And under the Wallet section, an order tracking widgets are introduced.
How to check and install the update on your iPhone
To manually check if the update is already available for your iPhone, just head to the Settings and select General and further tapping Software Update to install iOS 16.4. Otherwise, you should be notified within the day if the new firmware is already available for your device and in your country.
Are you updating to the iOS 16.4 today? Which device are you installing it? Tell us in the comment section.
