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Apple started a new beta phase at the end of January. The first release candidate versions of iOS 15.4, iPadOS 15.4, tvOS 15.4, watchOS 8.5 and macOS Monterey 12.3 have now been made available for download to registered developers.
Registered developers can now download the first RC versions of iOS 15.4 and Co. via the Developer Center or alternatively over-the-air. The new versions contain numerous new features, including Universal Control and Face ID with mask. There are also new features in the iCloud keychain, new emojis and other useful changes. Below you will find the update description listed verbatim. (Photo by Putilov Denis / 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 quit unexpectedly in the Books app.
- You may not be able to turn off Live Listen if it is disabled in Control Center.
