Apple introduced new hardware at the “Peek performance” event and at the same time announced the imminent launch of iOS 15.4 and Co.
iOS 15.4 includes a number of notable new features. Perhaps the biggest change is support for Face ID when wearing a mask. While Apple introduced support for unlocking the Apple Watch on the iPhone last year, it's now clear that this was originally just a stopgap solution. iOS 15.4 offers a far more advanced solution for using Face ID with a mask. Apple explains that it scans the "unique features around the eye area" to authenticate you with Face ID while wearing a mask.
iPadOS 15.4 & macOS Monterey 12.3 bring Universal Control
The downside is that the new feature “Use Face ID with a mask” is limited to iPhone 12 and newer. So if you have an iPhone X, iPhone XS or iPhone 11, you won’t be able to use this new feature. The reason for this is not yet known – you can find out more about this topic here. iPadOS 15.4 and macOS 12.3, which will be released alongside iOS 15.4, also support Universal Control. First announced at WWDC last summer, Universal Control lets you control multiple iPads and Macs with a single mouse, keyboard, and trackpad. In addition, the updates bring over 37 new emojis and many smaller improvements and optimizations.
iOS 15.4 and Co. will be released soon
The company has now confirmed that the new software versions will be released to all users worldwide next week. Unfortunately, no specific date was given. In the meantime, the RC versions of the new software have been rolled out. Are you looking for new accessories? Then take a look in our Amazon Storefront - there you will find numerous products from leading suppliers, also for HomeKit and Co.! (Photo by hadrian / Bigstockphoto)
iOS 15.4 update description:
Face ID
- Face ID while wearing a mask on iPhone 12 and later.
- Apple Pay and password autofill in apps and Safari can be used with Face ID while wearing a mask.
emoji
- New emoji, including faces, hand gestures, and household objects, are now available in the Emoji Keyboard.
- With the handshake emoji you can choose a different skin tone for each hand.
FaceTime
- SharePlay sessions can be started directly from supported apps
Siri
- Siri can provide time and date information while offline on iPhone XS, iPhone XR, iPhone 11, or later.
- Siri now includes an additional voice that expands the variety of options.
vaccination certificates
- Support for the EU Digital COVID Certificate in Health allows you to download and store verifiable versions of COVID-19 vaccinations, laboratory results and recovery records.
- COVID-19 vaccination cards in Apple Wallet now support the EU Digital COVID Certificate format.
This version also includes the following improvements for your iPhone:
- Safari website translation now supports Italian and Chinese (traditional).
- The Podcasts app now offers episode filters for seasons, played, unplayed, saved or downloaded episodes
- Custom iCloud email domains can be managed through Settings.
- News offers improved discovery of audio content in the Today feed and Audio tab
- The camera in the keyboard can be used to add text to notes and reminders.
- Shortcuts now supports adding, removing or querying tags with reminders
- The SOS emergency call settings have been changed to use the Call Hold feature for all users. 5-press call is still available as an option in the emergency call settings.
- The close-up in Magnifier uses the ultra-wide-angle camera on iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max to help you see small objects better.
- Saved passwords can now include your own notes in Settings.
This version also includes bug fixes for your iPhone:
- The keyboard may insert a period between typed numbers.
- News widgets in Today View may not open articles when you tap them.
- Photos and videos may not sync to iCloud Photo Library.
- The Accessible Speaking feature may terminate unexpectedly in the Books app.
- You may not be able to turn off Live Listen if it is disabled in Control Center.
