Hey there! Exciting news for all you iPhone and iPad users out there – iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 have finally been released after a series of beta testing. And let me tell you, they come packed with some impressive new features and updates. Get ready for a whole range of new emoji characters, from shaking heads to adorable animals and heart emojis that will make your conversations even more expressive. Plus, web push notifications are now available on your iPhones and iPads, giving you convenient updates from your favorite websites. That’s not all – there are so many other exciting additions like improved communication with smart home accessories, updated Podcasts and Music apps, support for PlayStation controllers, and even user guides on the Tips app. So, let’s take a closer look at everything iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 have in store for you!
iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4
The latest operating system updates for iOS and iPadOS, version 16.4, have been released to the public after successfully undergoing beta testing. These updates bring with them a range of new features, enhancements, and bug fixes that aim to improve the overall user experience on iPhones and iPads.
New Features
One of the standout features of iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 is the addition of new emoji characters. Users now have access to a wider range of expressive options, including the highly anticipated shaking head emoji, which adds a playful and animated way to express disagreement or disbelief. Additionally, hearts emoji that allow for more nuanced expressions of love and affection have been introduced. Animal emojis have also been expanded, allowing users to convey their favorite animals in their messages. Hand gesture emojis have been included as well, providing a new way to communicate without words.
Enhancements
iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 bring several enhancements to the overall user experience. One notable enhancement is the introduction of web push notifications on iPhones and iPads. This feature allows users to receive notifications from websites they have subscribed to, providing them with real-time updates on important news, events, or updates. Furthermore, these web push notifications have been seamlessly incorporated into the Focus mode, ensuring that users can stay focused on their desired tasks without missing out on important information.
Another enhancement that users will appreciate is the addition of badges for web apps on the Home Screen. These badges serve as visual indicators, notifying users of any updates, notifications, or new content available in their web apps. This makes it easier for users to stay engaged with their favorite web apps and ensures that they never miss out on important updates.
Bug Fixes
In addition to the new features and enhancements, iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 also come with a range of bug fixes. These fixes address various issues and improve the overall stability and performance of the operating systems. Users can expect a smoother and more reliable experience after updating their devices to these latest versions.
New emoji characters
One of the most exciting additions in iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 is the introduction of several new emoji characters. These additions aim to enhance the range of emotions and expressions that users can convey in their messages.
The shaking head emoji is a fun and playful addition that allows users to express disagreement or disbelief in a more animated way. It adds a touch of personality to conversations and can bring a smile to the faces of both the sender and the recipient.
With the introduction of hearts emoji, users now have a broader selection of options to express love and affection. Whether it’s a simple red heart or a more elaborate combination of colors and shapes, these new hearts emoji allow users to convey their feelings with more nuance and style.
Furthermore, iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 bring a range of new animal emojis. From adorable puppies and kittens to majestic lions and tigers, these animal emojis add a touch of cuteness and playfulness to conversations. Users can now express their love for their favorite animals or share their excitement about wildlife using these expressive emoji characters.
Hand gesture emojis have also been added in iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4. These emojis allow users to communicate without using words, making conversations more efficient and expressive. From thumbs up to peace signs, these hand gesture emojis provide a visual way to convey various messages and reactions.
Overall, the new emoji characters in iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 offer users a wider range of options to express themselves and add personality to their digital communications.
Web push notifications
One of the standout features of iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 is the introduction of web push notifications on iPhones and iPads. This feature allows users to receive notifications from websites they have subscribed to, providing them with real-time updates on important news, events, or updates.
With web push notifications, users no longer need to rely solely on dedicated apps or email notifications to stay informed. They can now receive relevant updates from their favorite websites directly on their device’s lock screen or notification center. This ensures that important information is delivered promptly and allows users to stay up to date with the latest news and developments in their areas of interest.
Furthermore, these web push notifications have been seamlessly incorporated into the Focus mode, which is designed to help users eliminate distractions and stay focused on their tasks. Users can customize their Focus modes to include or exclude specific apps and websites, ensuring that they only receive notifications that are relevant to their current activities. This integration between web push notifications and Focus mode ensures that users can stay focused on what matters most to them while still staying informed about important updates from their subscribed websites.
Overall, web push notifications in iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 provide users with a more convenient and efficient way to receive updates from their favorite websites, making it easier for them to stay informed and engaged.
Badges for web apps
iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 bring an exciting new feature for web apps – badges. These badges can be displayed on the Home Screen and serve as visual indicators, notifying users of any updates, notifications, or new content available in their web apps.
With badges for web apps, users no longer need to manually check for updates or open the web app to see if there is any new information available. The badges provide a quick and easy way to identify which web apps have new content or notifications, allowing users to prioritize their attention and engagement accordingly.
The badges for web apps also enhance the user experience by providing a more interactive and dynamic Home Screen. Users can now see at a glance which web apps have updates, making it easier for them to stay engaged with their favorite web apps and ensuring that they never miss out on important updates.
Overall, the introduction of badges for web apps in iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 improves the user experience by providing a more visually appealing and interactive Home Screen, allowing users to stay engaged with their favorite web apps more conveniently.
Third-party browser integration
One of the notable enhancements in iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 is the support for third-party browsers like Chrome to add websites to the Home Screen. This feature allows users to create shortcuts directly on their Home Screen for their favorite websites, providing quick and easy access to their frequently visited sites.
With this integration, users no longer need to rely solely on Safari to create shortcuts for websites. They can now use their preferred third-party browser, such as Chrome, to add shortcuts to their Home Screens.
This integration offers users more flexibility and personalization options, allowing them to tailor their device’s Home Screen to their specific browsing needs and preferences. Users can take advantage of the features and functionality offered by their preferred third-party browser while still enjoying the convenience of quick access to their favorite websites from the Home Screen.
Overall, the support for third-party browser integration in iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 provides users with greater customization options and flexibility in managing their Home Screens, enhancing their browsing experience.
Beta updates
iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 introduce a new and convenient way to install beta updates. Users can now directly install beta updates from the Settings app, eliminating the need for additional installations or complex procedures.
This change is particularly beneficial for developers and public beta testers who want to try out the latest features and improvements before they are officially released. With the ability to install beta updates directly from the Settings app, users can easily access and install the latest software versions on their devices without the need for additional tools or technical knowledge.
This streamlined installation process for beta updates simplifies the testing and feedback process, allowing developers and beta testers to provide valuable insights and suggestions to Apple more quickly and efficiently. It also ensures a smoother transition from beta versions to official releases, as users can easily update their devices to the stable versions when they become available.
Overall, the direct installation of beta updates from the Settings app in iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 offers a more streamlined and convenient experience for developers and beta testers, enabling them to stay up to date with the latest software versions and contribute to the improvement of the operating systems.
Apple Books app
iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 bring a reintroduction of the page turning animation in the Apple Books app. This animation adds a touch of nostalgia and realism to the reading experience, mimicking the sensation of flipping through the pages of a physical book.
By reintroducing the page turning animation, Apple aims to enhance the overall reading experience and provide users with a more immersive and engaging interface. The animation adds a visual element that makes reading on Apple Books feel more natural and authentic, immersing users in the world of their favorite books.
Users have the option to enable or disable the page turning animation according to their personal preferences. This flexibility allows users to customize their reading experience and create a comfortable environment that suits their individual needs and preferences.
Overall, the reintroduction of the page turning animation in the Apple Books app in iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 enhances the reading experience, making it more enjoyable and immersive for users.
HomeKit architecture upgrade
iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 bring an upgrade to the HomeKit architecture, improving the communication between smart home accessories and Apple devices. This upgrade aims to enhance the reliability and responsiveness of the HomeKit ecosystem, providing users with a more seamless and efficient smart home experience.
The upgraded HomeKit architecture improves the communication between Apple devices and smart home accessories, ensuring that commands and actions are executed more quickly and reliably. Users can expect faster response times, reduced latency, and improved overall performance when interacting with their smart home devices through their iPhones and iPads.
This upgrade also opens up new possibilities for integration and interoperability between different smart home accessories. Users can now enjoy a more connected and cohesive smart home environment, where devices from different manufacturers work together seamlessly to provide a unified user experience.
Overall, the HomeKit architecture upgrade in iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 enhances the performance and functionality of smart home accessories, improving the overall smart home experience for users.
Podcasts app update
iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 bring an update to the Podcasts app, introducing several new features for Channels, Up Next, and CarPlay. These features aim to enhance the podcast listening experience and provide users with more control and convenience.
Channels are curated collections of podcasts that cover specific topics or genres. With the update, Apple has made it easier for users to discover and access their favorite Channels within the Podcasts app. Users can explore a wide range of podcast content from different channels, making it easier for them to find and enjoy podcasts that align with their interests.
The Up Next feature in the Podcasts app has also been enhanced. Users now have more control over their podcast queue, allowing them to easily customize the order of episodes and manage their listening experience. Whether it’s rearranging episodes or removing those that no longer interest them, users can now tailor their Up Next list to their specific preferences and needs.
CarPlay integration has also been improved in iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4. Users can now enjoy a more seamless and intuitive podcast listening experience while driving. With enhanced CarPlay support, users can easily access their favorite podcasts, manage their Up Next list, and control playback through the CarPlay interface, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable listening experience on the road.
Overall, the update to the Podcasts app in iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 introduces new features and enhancements that improve the podcast listening experience and provide users with more control and convenience.
Always On Display section in Settings app
iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 include some minor tweaks to the Always On Display section in the Settings app. This section allows users to customize the behavior and appearance of the Always On Display feature, which displays certain information on the screen even when the device is locked or in sleep mode.
The minor tweaks in this section provide users with more options and flexibility in customizing their device’s Always On Display. Users can choose from various display styles, such as digital or analog clock faces, as well as customize the information shown, such as date, time, or notifications.
By making these tweaks, Apple aims to enhance the user experience and ensure that users can personalize their device’s Always On Display to match their individual preferences and needs. Whether it’s displaying the time and date or notifications from specific apps, users have the flexibility to create an Always On Display that suits their lifestyle and usage patterns.
Overall, the minor tweaks to the Always On Display section in the Settings app in iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 offer users more customization options and ensure a more personalized and tailored user experience.
