Apple has recently released iOS 15.4 to the general public after intense beta testing. Unlike the previous software update, iOS 15.4 comes with multiple new features, important changes, and additions to iOS 15.3. Although more than two years have already passed since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and many countries are now lifting restrictions—including mask mandates—one of the most important changes in iOS 15.4 is support for using Face ID while wearing a mask. Other major changes are Universal Control, new emojis, shortcuts automation, and a new “gender-neutral” voice for Siri.
Another important new feature is Tap to Pay. This allows businesses to use any iPhone as a contactless payment terminal. For example, a small brick-and-mortar store may opt-out of using other points of sale (POS) systems and still receive contactless payments directly on an iPhone. According to Apple, iOS 15 was already packed with new features that helped users connect with people, while also remaining present and living in the moment, exploring the world, and using artificial intelligence to do more with their phones than ever before. With iOS 15.4, users can now go even further and use Face ID while wearing a mask, unlock their phones, use Apple Pay and authorize apps and passwords.
From iOS 14 to iOS 15
Apple released iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 in September 2021—these being the newest operating system updates designed for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch at the time. Like all previous Apple software updates, iOS and iPadOS 15 were easy to download and use and also came with no additional costs. Unlike previous updates, however, Apple users were also given the choice to continue using iOS 14, which was to receive regular security updates or switch to the newer iOS 15. The newer software boasted multiple new features, like important updates to FaceTime, Messages and Memoji, Focus modes, revamped notifications, Live Text, upgraded Maps, and more.
New features were probably the most important reason to switch to iOS 15, as notifications were upgraded, contact photos were added for people, and apps now featured larger icons. Moreover, iOS 15 was designed to be more effective than iOS 14 in reducing distractions, as a notification summary that collects different notifications and lists them by priority was now available. Focus, a new feature added on iOS 15, was actually designed to help users focus on their most important tasks. Safari also received a new design with iOS 15, while Tab Groups were created to provide users with the possibility to save tabs and easily access them across devices.
What you need to know about iOS 15.4
iOS 15 was undoubtedly an upgrade that provided many benefits for iPhone users across the world and it comes as no surprise that iOS 15.4 is even better. This latest version of iOS 15 is also expected to be the last major upgrade before the release of iOS 16 sometime in the fall. While iOS 15.4 does not feature major changes to the previous version, there are certainly many improvements to already existing features. The most important new feature of iOS 15.4 is probably the support for using Face ID while wearing a mask, which allows users to unlock their phone even when their face is partially covered.
This latest iOS software also provides users with new emojis, including faces, hand gestures, and different new objects, EU Digital COVID Certificate support, Safari translation support for new languages like Italian and Chinese, and other improvements for FaceTime, Siri, Podcasts, iCloud, Camera, Emergency SOS settings and many other apps. With iOS 15.4, Siri also received a new voice—one recorded by a member of the LGBTQ+ community—according to Apple’s own statements to Axios. “Millions of people around the world rely on Siri every day to help get things done, so we work to make the experience feel as personalized as possible,” Apple added in what is now seen as a new bid to offer more diverse options for Siri.
What really matters
While there are no breakthroughs when it comes to the new iOS 15.4, it is clear that Apple is sending a strong message to all iPhone users. “Your needs matter”, the American company seems to say by providing users with support for using Face ID while wearing a mask and a new voice for Siri.
