Apple's iOS 15.4 contains a plethora of new capabilities for your iPhone. This includes new emoji, the long-awaited Universal Control, improved privacy protections and Face ID that works when you're wearing a mask. (All these features are also available for iPad in iPadOS 15.4.) Apple has also subsequently published iOS 15.4.1, a small iPhone update to remedy a battery-draining problem and security vulnerabilities.
As the name implies, iOS 15.4 is the fourth significant upgrade to iOS 15, which arrived with the iPhone 13 in September. These upgrades, which began with December's iOS 15.1 release, have brought additional functionality to Apple's iPhone operating system and upgraded existing ones. iOS 15.4 follows iOS 15.3.1, which was released last month to repair a security issue in iPhones and iPads.
Release date: Is iOS 15.4 available now?
Yes, both iOS 15.4 and iPadOS 15.4 were published on March 14. The new green iPhone 13, the alpine green iPhone 13 Pro and the new iPhone SE arrive with iOS 15.4 installed, according to Apple.
How do I get iOS 15.4?
You may download iOS 15.4 by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update > Download and Install. The 15.4 update is more than a gigabyte, so make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi to prevent eating through your monthly data allocation.
What is Universal Control?
Universal Control lets you utilize additional Apple devices as second displays, shifting content fluidly between them using just one device. This much awaited feature was previously revealed as part of MacOS Monterey, but was postponed during the autumn, with a revised timeframe pointing to "this spring." Universal Control was part of the iOS 15.4 beta, and issued as a public beta with the Monterey OS 12.3 and iPadOS 15.4 upgrades.
Because Universal Control is still in beta, expect to run into some glitches now and again. And notice that the functionality doesn't work on every device. Apple claims Universal control is accessible on:
- MacBook Pro (2016 and later) (2016 and later)
- MacBook (2016 and later) (2016 and later)
- MacBook Air (2018 and later) (2018 and later)
- iMac (2017 and later) (2017 and later)
- iMac (5K Retina 27-inch, late 2015) (5K Retina 27-inch, late 2015)
- iMac Pro
- Mac Mini (2018 and later) (2018 and later)
- Mac Pro (2019) (2019)
- iPad Pro
- iPad Air (third generation and later) (third generation and later)
- iPad (sixth generation and later) (sixth generation and later)
- iPad Mini (fifth generation and later) (fifth generation and later)
Apple cautions that to utilize Universal Control, "Both devices must be logged in to iCloud with the same Apple ID using two-factor authentication. To use wirelessly, both devices must have Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Handoff switched on and must be within 10 meters (30 feet) of each other. [The] iPad and Mac must not be sharing a cellular and internet connection. To utilize over USB, you must trust your Mac on the iPad."
Can I use Face ID with masks?
Apple has improved its Face ID function to be accessible on the iPhone 12 and subsequent models even when wearing a mask. Because the function utilizes a smaller section of your face to verify your identity, you'll need to be more specific about the angle you're holding your phone at while using Face ID. Your phone will even remind you if it requires you to stare more directly at the screen. The revised functionality should work for users who wear glasses, but it won't work with sunglasses.
What new emoji are included?
If you're the sort of person who prides oneself on innovative and humorous emoji usage, you're going to enjoy iOS 15.4. There are 37 new emoji in the update, including new choices for pregnant people, hands forming a heart shape, a salute and — my personal favorite — a lip-biting emoji. These were shown last autumn, and also feature a dissolving face, a face holding back tears, a bird's nest, coral, a lotus, a low battery and kidney beans.
Other iOS 15.4 features
The operating system upgrade also introduces new safety-focused changes to AirTags, which have been under the spotlight amid allegations of the devices being used to stalk individuals.
The 15.4 update also transforms the emergency call shortcut "call with five pushes" from a default setting to an option, meaning the function won't be activated until you choose to accept it. The hold-and-press option for the side and volume buttons remains enabled by default.
SharePlay got some improvements as well, enabling certain applications to start SharePlay calls from the app, rather than your having to start a SharePlay call and then launch the app. Developers will have to update their applications properly, so anticipate this option to roll out over time.
Another feature included in the update is the ability to copy text from objects using the camera while in the Notes or Reminders applications. And, as discovered by ZDNet,iOS 15.4 also resolves a problem linked to recordings of Siri conversations.
Coming more Apple news, read about your iPhone as a payment terminal and Apple's probable vast assortment of new items for this autumn. Also, here's how the 2022 iPhone SE compares with the 2020 edition, and if you should purchase an earlier iPhone SE today.
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