Apple launches major iPhone update
In January, Apple announced a real firework of features for the iPhone with iOS 15.4. Now the time has finally come and the update is ready for download. Functions such as Face ID for mask wearers, new emojis and universal control are finally arriving and available. But owners of an iPad, a Mac and an Apple Watch can also be happy.
Update from March 15, 2022: It was announced shortly after the events of the first Apple event of the new year, now it’s official. As already suspected, Apple is already releasing the long-awaited one at the start of the 11th calendar week Update to iOS 15.4 for iPhone – last week the so-called “Release Candidate” of the system update went to the developers. Also available like that iPadOS 15.4, macOS 12.3, watchOS 8.5, tvOS 15.4.
Many new functions are waiting to be discovered. Absolute highlights are definitely the Face ID unlock iPhone with mask too (from iPhone 12 and up) and Universal Control for iPad and Macs – from now on you can continue to work seamlessly between the systems. The installation takes place in the usual way, either automatically if activated, or manually via the items Settings, General, Software update.
Original article:
The last update for the iPhone (iOS 15.3) did not contain any new functions, only bug fixes and security updates were provided by Apple. New features were obviously saved for iOS 15.4. A first preview of the new update has now been distributed to developers, along with iPadOS 15.4 for the Apple tablet and macOS 12.3 for the Mac.
New features in iOS 15.4 for iPhone and iPad
The innovations of iOS 15.4 have it all and fulfill a number of long-cherished wishes. Apple listens to its own customers and also keeps a promise that was made last summer. In a word: madness! The following are the most important of the new features (source: MacRumors). However, we are certain that more functions will be integrated and discovered in the coming weeks leading up to the release.
- Face ID with a mask: Face recognition finally works with a mask. We would have liked to have had the feature earlier, but better late than never and Corona will still be a dominant topic in 2022. Incidentally, Apple uses the area around the eyes for identification, not as reliable as the whole face, but useful. However, it looks like Face ID mask support is only available on iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 models. Older iPhones are therefore left out.
- Universal Control: Apple is finally delivering on its promise and introducing seamless control between iPad and Mac with iPadOS 15.4. The latter must then also have macOS 12.3, which is currently under development. In the following, we also use a Mac’s keyboard and mouse on the iPad and use both Apple devices together like never before.
Apple explains seamless controls in the macOS 12 video:
- New emoji: We’ve been waiting for this, right? Well, if you need more of the little pictures for your communication, you can look forward to it now. Apple integrates 37 new emojis and 75 skin tone variations, making a total of 112 new pictograms.
- iCloud Keychain: If you want, you can now add notes to passwords saved in the iCloud keychain under iOS 15.4. The note function makes password management even more useful, so the range of functions approaches solutions like 1Password.
- 120 Hz without limits: Third-party apps have so far not been able to use the full potential of the ProMotion display on the iPhone 13 Pro (Max). With iOS 15.4 this changes and the full 120 frames per second is available.
- SharePlay: Apps that support Apple’s SharePlay now offer the feature directly in the share menu.
- Password alternative: If you need to log in to a compatible website on a Mac or iPad, you can use the iPhone for verification instead of a normal password. Ergo: Face ID or Touch ID is used for the login.
Apple’s release plans explained
It is not yet known when Apple will release iOS 15.4 to the general public. We’re assuming the end of February at the earliest, but maybe March. In contrast to the last update, there are a large number of features and functions, and the effort should be correspondingly large. But the wait is worth it.
