Apple has just released the first beta of iOS 16.4, the next big update to its mobile operating system. Thanks to this, we have been able to take a first look at the functions that will star in the next versionand promises to be one of the most complete we’ve seen so far, far surpassing iOS 16.3.
Among the most anticipated functions and features we find a new set of emojis to share with your contacts, as well as a new addition to the notification system. But this is not all, and it is that iOS 16.4 hides a lot of surprises up its sleeve. Here are the five new features coming to your iPhone with iOS 16.4.
Of course, keep in mind that there is currently only a first beta of iOS 16.4. The final version will be released sometime in the spring., according to Apple. When, specifically? The company has not wanted to give a date, but knowing its track record, it is quite likely that we will see it in March or April.
The new emojis arrive in iOS 16.4
As we already announced a couple of days ago, a new pack of emojis is ready to land in your favorite apps. iOS users will be able to enjoy this new set with the release of iOS 16.4.
Among the new emojis that are included we have new colors for the hearts, a monkey, an elk, a donkey, maracas, fans and new positions for hands. However, the list extends much further. In addition to arriving in iOS 16.4, will roll out to all other Apple devices running macOS Ventura 13.3, iPadOS 16.4, and watchOS 9.4.
Until now, opting out of beta versions of iOS updates was a bit of a complicated process. Apple has made it simple with iOS 16.4, we’ve seen. Starting with this update, you will be able to quickly select from the Software Update menu what are the types of versions you want to receiveif the public or the betas for developers.
Of course, this will only be available for those Apple ID accounts associated with the developer program from Apple.
What’s new in iOS 16.4 notifications
Android, Windows and even macOS have already allowed receiving push notifications through browsers for some time. Yes, those little billboards that some websites urge you to activate to notify you of all their news in real time, or even services like WhatsApp Web. Until then, It was not possible to receive these types of notifications on iPhone devices, but iOS 16.4 arrives to change that.
You will be able to receive notifications through Safari, just like any other application on your iPhone. Yes, to do it you will have to create a website icon on your home screenonly in this way the application will be able to request to activate the sending of notifications to your mobile.
New architecture for the Casa app
Since the introduction of iOS 16 in 2022, Apple has placed great emphasis on home automation. That is why this version came with substantial improvements for the iPhone Home app and other Apple devices. However, until now Cupertino had not been able to release all the features that he had in mind for this feature, all this due to bugs and issues that delayed the inclusion.
With iOS 16.4 we will finally see some news in Home. This is a new architecture for the application with which Apple plans to improve the performance of the same, as well as its efficiency and reliability. It is not the only function that comes to this app, and it is that a couple of versions ago we already saw the inclusion of the expected Matter standard.
The Podcast app is updated in iOS 16.4, and brings news for CarPlay
Apple continues to lag behind in the podcast race, at least when compared to services like Spotify. Part of this is due to its Podcasts app, included on all its devices and from which you can easily listen to your favorite shows. Well, iOS 16.4 arrives for include a new feature that will allow you to stay up to date with all the episodes of your favorite shows.
The first one is a new tab under the name Channels. From here you can see all the programs in one place. We also have a new section called Up Next, from which you can reorder the episodes that will play when the current one ends, all selected by the app from your Library and Downloaded Episodes list.
As for CarPlay, we see the arrival of the Up Next and Recently Listened section. Both can be found in the Listen tab. Meanwhile, the Explore tab includes a new list of shows recommended for you based on your listening history.