Apple has released the first iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 betas to developers, along with macOS Ventura 13.3, watchOS 9.4, and tvOS 16.4.
The software updates offer a range of new features, from fresh emoji characters to web push notifications on iOS devices. It follows the release of iOS 16.31 update earlier this week.
New Emojis
iOS 16.4 updates include new Unicode 15 emoji characters, first approved in September 2022. These include: a shaking head, pink and blue hearts, a donkey, moose, black bird, goose, wing, jellyfish, hyacinth, pea pod, ginger, fan, comb, flute, maracas and a variety of left and right facing hand options.
New Browser Features
iOS 16.4 introduces powerful new features for both Safari and third-party browsers. Safari web apps can now access push notifications, home screen badges, and more.
Apple first announced web app push notifications at WWDC with iOS 16. Users can now grant web apps permission to send notifications by tapping a “subscribe” button. Notifications from web apps work the same way as notifications from other apps, showing up on the Lock Screen, Notification Center, and paired Apple Watches. These notifications can be managed in the Settings app.
- Focus Support for Web Push Notifications: Notifications for web apps added to the Home Screen can be incorporated into Focus, allowing them to be rolled into Daily Summaries and providing options for configuring where and how to receive them. If the same web app is added to Home Screen on more than one iPhone or iPad, Focus mode will automatically apply to all of them.
- Badges for Home Screen Web Apps: Web apps that are added to the Home Screen can display badges to alert users of notifications, similar to badges for regular apps. Badges will be shown after permission is given to receive notifications, with the web apps displaying the current badge count.
- Adding to Home Screen for Third-Party Browsers: Browsers like Chrome now let users add websites and apps to their Home Screen from the Share menu.
Beta Opt-In Changes
Apple’s developer program members can now access developer betas from the Software Update section in the Settings app on iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4.
HomeKit Architecture Upgrade
iOS 16.4, iPadOS 16.4, and macOS Ventura 13.3 reintroduce the HomeKit architecture update that was pulled from iOS 16.2 due to HomeKit bugs. Users in the Home app’s Software Update section are now seeing a “Home Upgrade Available” option.
This update is designed to improve communication between smart home accessories and Apple devices. Unfortunately, it caused some HomeKit devices to go missing or become stuck in a “configuring/updating” status, as well as invitations to share the Home failing, and Secure video recording breaking.
Apple Podcasts App Updates
Apple released several updates to the Podcasts app with iOS 16.4. You can access Channels in the Library and use Up Next to resume episodes, start saved episodes, and skip any you don’t want to listen to. Subscribed channels will appear at the top, followed by channels for free shows that you follow.
With CarPlay, you can pick up where you left off with Up Next and browse for new podcasts.
Apple Music App Profile
It’s now easier to access profile settings with the new prominent button in the Apple Music app.
AppleCare Coverage Overview
The Settings app features an updated “Coverage” interface that displays warranty info for your iPhone, Apple Watches, AirPods, and more.
Shortcuts
Shortcuts offers workflows to lock device screens, control the always-on display, and automatically enable/disable Stage Manager on iPad. You can also have Siri announce Notifications as an action when creating a Shortcut.
Content Previews for Mastodon in Messages
When you send a link to a Mastodon post in the Messages app, it now displays a preview of the content instead of a link and image.
5G for Turkey
iOS 16.4 enables 5G support in Turkey.
Tips User Guides
The Tips app now offers user guides not only for iPhone, but also for Apple Watch, AirPods, and HomePod.
Focus Mode
The always-on display filter for Focus mode is now available.
5G Standalone Support for T-Mobile
iPhone owners who use T-Mobile can turn on a new 5G option that enables them to connect to the carrier’s 5G Standalone network.
More Granular Tim Satellite Availability for Emergency SOS
Apple now informs users of when the next satellite will be passing by for the Emergency SOS via Satellite feature with more detail. Rather than the “Available Soon” and “Available in X amount of time” options, users will receive specific hour and minute timelines.
Apple Card High-Yield Savings Account
The iOS 16.4 update, announced in October, brings a high-yield savings account to Apple Card owners. Code in the update contains references to routing and account numbers, current balance, interest earned, data management, funds available for withdrawal, and more.
Apple Card users can soon gain access to a high-yield savings account offered by Goldman Sachs. The account will offer Daily Cash deposits which will earn interest. It may be available with the release of iOS 16.4, however the Wallet app is yet to provide access.
Accessibility Feature
iOS 16.4 beta 1 introduces a new Accessibility feature in the Motion menu to dim flashing lights. Videos containing repeated flashing or strobing lights will be automatically dimmed, with the video timeline displaying when flashing lights occur.
iOS 16.4 App updates
Wallet App: Apple added three new Home Screen widgets for order tracking.
Home App: Software Update support for Matter Accessories is available both manually and automatically. The new home architecture has been reintroduced.
Keyboard:
- Autocorrect enabled by default for Korean keyboard
- Predictive text for Ukrainian keyboard
- Transliteration layouts for Gujarati, Punjabi, and Urdu keyboards
- New keyboard layouts for Choctaw and Chickasaw
- Tilt and Azimuth support added to Apple Pencil hover
Availability
According to Apple, iOS 16.4, iPadOS 16.4, will be available as a free update this spring along with macOS 13.3.