After three iOS updates in a row that only contained security patches, Apple is now bringing a whole range of new functions to the iPhone.
At its March event, Apple introduced a new iPhone SE, iPad Air and the Mac Studio. Now iOS 15.4 is official – after several months of beta phase. TECHBOOK has already tested the update in advance and shows what’s in it.
Use Face ID with a mask
The corona pandemic has shown that Face ID is practically useless when wearing a mask. Although Apple presented a solution last year, it only works if you have an Apple Watch. In order to finally solve the problem, Face ID in iOS 15.4 now supports unlocking with a mask.
The appropriate option Face ID with mask can now be found in the settings. Rather than scanning the entire face, the feature uses unique features around the eyes for authentication.
37 new emojis
The Unicode Consortium presented new emojis at the end of 2021. Apple is now implementing this with iOS 15.4. This brings about a melting, a saluting, a fading and a lurking smiley to the iPhone. But the focus is on inclusivity and diversity. For the first time there is a pregnant man and two arms that shake hands in different skin colors. Also new are the emojis for the algae, an X-ray, a lifebelt and a bird’s nest with and without eggs.
Here is the overview of all new emojis: Unicode Consortium announces new emojis
New, gender-neutral Siri voice
Apple wants to be more inclusive not only with emojis, but also with Siri. In the US, Siri is therefore getting a new, gender-neutral voice that was recorded by a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Compared to the US news portal Axios, Apple said that they would like to give “more options to choose a voice that speaks to you”. They are working on “making the experience as individual as possible”.
The new voice is only available when the Siri language and voice variant are set to US American. It is now the fifth voice that Siri gets in the United States. In Germany, users can still only choose from two options.
Universal Control (iPadOS only)
We have been waiting for the new universal control function for a long time. This allows the use of an iPad with the keyboard and mouse of a Mac or MacBook. This requires macOS Monterey installed and both Mac and iPad must be linked to the same iCloud account. If these requirements are met, users can simply move from Mac to iPad and continue using the keyboard and mouse there. The function is below AirPlay & Handoff to find.
Further changes
AirTag message: A more detailed message now appears when setting up a new AirTag. This warns that it is a criminal offense to track people with an AirTag.
Vaccination certificate in Apple Wallet: In iOS 15.4, users can store their EU vaccination certificate in the Apple Wallet