Apple released the final versions of iOS 14.4, iPadOS 14.4, tvOS 14.4 and watchOS 7.3 to all users worldwide this evening.
Apple has released new software versions for iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Watch and HomePod published. Along with iOS 14.4 for HomePod, the update adds new HomePod mini features that leverage the Siri speaker's U1 chip. There are now visual, audio, and haptic effects when transferring songs from a HomePod mini to a U1-enabled iPhone 11 or iPhone 12. When an iPhone is near the HomePod mini, a gentle haptic touch rhythm begins, getting faster and faster the closer the iPhone gets, until the interface for transferring a song between the HomePod mini and the iPhone opens. This feature will make handoffs on a HomePod mini and an iPhone 11 or iPhone 12 faster and more reliable.
iOS 14.4: Apple solves problems with volume settings
Additionally, iOS 14.4 includes a setting to specify a device type for third-party Bluetooth-connected audio devices so that headphone audio level measurements can be taken correctly. Apple tracks headphone audio levels to send alerts when music is playing at a level that may be damaging to hearing health over time. Along with new features, a number of bugs have also been fixed, including issues with HDR photos on the iPhone 12, the Fitness widget, and more.
watchOS 7.3 – Addition for Fitness+ and new watch face
watchOS 7.3 added the "Unity" watch face, which has shapes that "change throughout the day as users move to create a face that is unique to them." Fitness+ also gets a feature called "Time to Walk." However, this is only available in countries that support the new service. Below you will find the individual update descriptions in full. (Photo by Blan-k / Bigstockphoto)
iOS 14.4 update description
iOS 14.4 includes the following improvements for your iPhone:
- The camera recognizes smaller QR codes.
- Bluetooth devices can be classified using an option in Settings to correctly identify headphones for audio notifications.
- You will receive a notification if your iPhone camera cannot be verified as the original camera of an iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, or iPhone 12 Pro Max.
This version also fixes the following issues:
- Image artifacts may appear in HDR photos taken with the iPhone 12 Pro.
- The Fitness widget may not display updated activity data.
- Keyboard input may be delayed and suggestions may not be displayed.
- The keyboard in Messages may appear in the wrong language.
- Enabling Switch Control in Accessibility may prevent you from answering phone calls from the lock screen.
iOS 14.4 for HomePod Update Description
Software version 14.4 includes bug fixes and the following new features for iPhones with Ultra Wideband (U1) chip:
- Transfer music on your iPhone to HomePod mini with visual, acoustic and haptic effects
- Personalized listening suggestions on iPhone when HomePod mini is nearby
- Automatically display media controls without unlocking the iPhone when the HomePod mini is nearby
watchOS 7.3 update description
watchOS 7.3 includes new features, improvements, and bug fixes, including:
- Unity dial inspired by the colors of the Pan-African flag; the shapes change throughout the day as you move, creating a face that is unique to you
- Time to Walk for Apple Fitness+ subscribers an audio experience in the Workout app where guests tell inspiring stories while you walk
- ECG app on Apple Watch Series 4 or later in Japan, Mayotte, Philippines and Thailand
- Irregular heart rhythm notifications in Japan, Mayotte, Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand
- Fixed an issue that caused Control Center and Notification Center to be unresponsive when Zoom is enabled
