Apple released the second beta of iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 for developers on Tuesday evening. A few interesting changes have been made here too. Below is an overview.
After Apple started a new beta phase about two weeks ago, the second preview of iOS 16.4 and Co. was released. provided. Below we'll take a look at the new features Apple has added. Let's get started.
Animation for browsing Apple Books
With the launch of iOS 16, the company changed Apple Books to remove the traditional page-turning animation that has been used since the app's beginnings—a move that has upset some Apple Books users. The second beta of iOS 16.4 reintroduces the page-turn animation as an option—a welcome change for Apple Books users who have missed it. There are now three page-turning options in the Themes & Settings section of the Books app. Slide is the default from iOS 16, Curl is the old animation from iOS 15 and earlier, and None is an even simpler animation that simply flips from page to page. These features are also available in iPadOS 16.4 for those reading on iPad.
Apple Music Classical Code
Code in the iOS 16.4 beta confirms that Apple is continuing to work on the Apple Music Classical app, suggesting that it could be released in the not too distant future. The code in the beta also suggests that the standard Apple Music app must be installed in order to listen to Apple Music Classical. A code string from the MusicKit framework states:
To listen to Apple Music Classical, you need to install Apple Music.
At the moment, there is no sign of an Apple Music Classical app on iOS 16.4. But that doesn't mean it won't appear in a later beta or with the launch of iOS 16.4. It could also be delayed until a later update or even iOS 17, as this isn't the first iOS 16 update to include references to Apple Music Classical.
iOS 16.4: Apple Care device coverage
Under Settings -> General -> About, where Apple has a "Coverage" section that lists your Apple devices with AppleCare+, all listed products now have an icon next to them. This section includes your iPhone and connected peripherals like Apple Watch and AirPods. This section was already present in the initial beta, but the icons are new.
Podcasts home screen
iOS 16.4 Beta 2 includes a new home screen in the Podcasts app that explains the new changes. The Podcasts app now supports channels in the library, expanded CarPlay features, and an improved "Next" feature that lets you skip episodes you don't want to hear.
Always On Display settings
Apple has slightly redesigned the Always On section of the Settings app on the iPhone 14 Pro. The switch to disable Always On is now located below the wallpaper and notification display switches, rather than above them.
When will iOS 16.4 and Co. be made available to all users?
According to Apple, iOS 16.4, iPadOS 16.4, macOS Ventura 13.3 and others will be released in spring. Spring begins on March 20th and ends on June 20th. The updates will probably be made available in early April. (Photo by hadrian / Bigstockphoto)
