Sections of this topic
The final release of iOS 16.4 is expected to come in March, perhaps at Apple’s upcoming spring event.
Key Takeaways:
- New Emoji: iOS 16.4 introduces new emoji based on Unicode 15.0.
- Web Push Notifications: The update adds support for web push notifications for saved web apps.
- Home Architecture: The Home architecture upgrade returns in iOS 16.4.
- New Podcasts App: A new Podcasts app is available across iPhone, iPad, and CarPlay.
- 5G Support: Standalone support for T-Mobile users is included for faster speeds.
- Wallet Widget: A new Wallet widget is introduced in iOS 16.4.
- Mastodon Support: Automatic link previews are included in Messages.
- New Beta Requirements: Beta testers can choose the type of beta updates they want to receive.
- Register for Beta: Users can register through the Apple beta software portal to enable public beta installs.
- Beta Warning: Keep in mind that beta software may introduce new problems or cause issues with your device.
If you’re an iPhone or iPad user, you may be excited to hear that the next iOS update, iOS 16.4, is on its way. Typically, a new iOS update goes into beta within a day or two of the previous version’s public release.
However, this time around, iOS 16.4’s beta release arrived on February 16th, along with the betas for iPadOS 16.4, watchOS 9.4, and macOS 13.3.
So, what can you expect from iOS 16.4? Let’s dive into some of the new features and changes:
New Emoji
iOS 16.4 includes new emoji based on Unicode 15.0. The additions introduce fresh options such as heart symbols in different colors, hands pushing to the left and right, several new animals, and even some food items and musical instruments.
Web Push Notifications
The update also adds support for web push notifications. This means that web apps saved to your home screen can now send system notifications via the standard HTML5 Web Push API.
Websites will need permission, just like apps, and permission can only be granted in response to a user action.
Home Architecture
The Home architecture upgrade that was removed from iOS 16.2 has returned in iOS 16.4. This upgrade is distinct from the enhanced Home app already present in earlier versions.
New Podcasts App
A new Podcasts app across iPhone, iPad, and CarPlay is another exciting addition in iOS 16.4. The app improves the Up Next queue and adds new features like episode filtering and the ability to browse by season.
5G Support
For T-Mobile users, iOS 16.4 includes standalone support to enable faster speeds where available.
Widgets
iOS 16.4 introduces a new Wallet widget that makes it easy to track orders.
Mastodon Support
iOS 16.4 includes automatic previews for links in Messages, much like the previews you may be familiar with from Twitter.
New Beta Requirements
In iOS 16.4, beta testers have the option to choose the type of beta updates they want to receive by going to Settings > General > Software Updates.
You can select between no beta updates, Developer Beta updates (if available), or Public Beta updates.
Moreover, developers can now only install updates with an authorized developer account, not just a profile.
Final Thoughts
Registering with Apple through their beta software portal enables public beta installs. However, keep in mind that beta software isn’t final and may introduce new problems or cause issues with your device.
Once you’ve installed the profile on your phone, you’ll be able to update to the latest beta by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
Overall, iOS 16.4 introduces some exciting new features and changes that should enhance the user experience.
Whether you’re excited about the new emoji or the ability to receive push notifications from web apps, there’s something for everyone in this update.
The final release is expected in March, so keep an eye out for it and happy updating!
