Apple has released iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4, the latest updates to its operating systems for iPhones and iPads, respectively. The update includes 21 new emoji and several other enhancements, bug fixes, and security updates for iPhone users. The release comes 42 days after the last update, and due to the configuration cache of Apple's regional node servers, there may be a slight delay in the detection of upgrades in some places.
21 new emoji added
The new emojis include bobblehead, pink heart, light blue heart, donkey, moose, jellyfish, hyacinth, ginger, blackbird, and more. There are 31 new emoji in total, including left and right-handed options for various skin tones.
Enhancements and bug fixes
Other enhancements and bug fixes included in the update are:
- Web apps added to the home screen now support notifications
- Voice Emphasis for cellular calls prioritizes your voice and blocks out ambient noise
- Duplicate Items in Photos album further supports detection of duplicate photos and videos in iCloud shared photo libraries
- VoiceOver supports maps in the Weather app
- Accessibility settings to automatically dim video when flash or strobe effects are detected
- Fixed an issue where a child's "Ask to Buy" request might not show up on the parent's device
- Addresses an issue where Matter-compatible thermostats could become unresponsive after pairing with an Apple Home
- Improved car crash detection for iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models
In addition, the update brings back the traditional page-turning animation, which was removed in iOS 16.
Upcoming iOS/iPadOS 17
Apple is expected to focus on the iOS/iPadOS 17 system, which it plans to announce at the WWDC 2023 exhibition in June this year. As a result, iOS/iPadOS 16.4 may be the last version update of the 16 branch.
Web push notifications added to Safari
The update brings Safari web push notifications to the iPhone and iPad, allowing users to receive them from websites added to the device's home screen. Users can also consolidate notifications from the Home Screen web app into the Focus feature and aggregate them into the Daily Summary. The update also supports counters for web applications added to the Home Screen, similar to those of regular applications, to keep users informed of alerts and notifications.
Support for third-party browsers added to the home screen
Third-party browsers, such as Chrome, can add a website or web page to the home screen through the share menu.
Beta opt-in
Those enrolled in Apple's developer program can now enable the developer betas directly from the Software Update section in the Settings app. This new option will be automatically enabled on devices that have enrolled in the program and updated to the latest beta version.
HomeKit architecture upgrade
The update reintroduces the HomeKit architecture update, which was pulled from iOS 16.2 due to the addition of a large number of HomeKit vulnerabilities. The new architecture is designed to improve the reliability and efficiency of communication between smart home accessories and Apple devices.
Podcasts and Apple Music updates
The Podcasts app has received several updates, including the ability to restore, save, and delete episodes, and a new podcast option in Browse for CarPlay users. The Apple Music app now has a prominent button for accessing user profiles, making it easier to access playlists and other user preferences.
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