iOS 15.4: all the features and improvements coming to your iPhone

Consumers with an iPhone can get ready for iOS 15.4. The new operating system is being developed behind the scenes and will be available to users later this year. What can we expect from it?

After iOS 15.3 mainly offered problem solutions, it is time for an update that brings new functionalities to your iPhone. Fortunately, that’s exactly what Apple seems to be doing with iOS 15.4.

This article is based on information released after the initial developer beta. As soon as functionalities are removed or added, we will update this article.

iOS 15.4: these are the new features

The new software update for your iPhone will bring new functionalities to the smartphone. For example, Face ID will become a lot more accessible in times of COVID-19, new Emoji will appear and a popular functionality of password managers will be taken over. A comprehensive overview:

Face ID

Due to the mask requirement, Face ID has been less successful in the past two years than in the years before. Apple previously came up with a solution for people with an Apple Watch and an iPhone, but now the company is taking the next step. With iOS 15.4, it is also possible to use facial recognition with a mouth cap.

iPhone users will need to reset Face ID and will likely find that the functionality works a little less well than they are used to, Apple said. The fact that the functionality can finally be used often again after two years will make a lot of people forget.

Emoji in iOS 15.4

This new update also brings new Emoji to your iPhone. In total, 37 brand new faces, figures and icons will be added to the smartphone. There is a melting emoji, a pointing emoji and a slide between the collection. That is of course not all.

In addition to all the new added characters, there are also current emoji with new skin color and gender options. In total, this puts the counter to 112 new additions, which makes iOS 15.4 an interesting update for everyone without a doubt.

Widgets

In the Netherlands this will be of interest to few people, but people with an Apple Card can easily gain more insight into the walletapp. For example, a new widget ensures that you can immediately see the balance of your card and more details on the home screen of your iPhone.

Playstation 5

Those with a Sony DualSense controller, which is the controller of the PlayStation 5, can make the most of it for gaming on iPad and iPhone. Thanks to iOS 15.4, by the way, better than before, because the adaptive triggers on the device are now also supported.

Wallet in iOS 15.4

It is possible for European users with iOS 15.4 to put their vaccination certificate in the Wallet app. This way it is always ready on your iPhone. Handy, because you will need it a lot in the coming months.

iCloud

With the new operating system, Apple takes over a handy functionality from many password managers. It is about the ability to add notes to saved passwords. Of course, these are passwords stored in the iCloud Keychain.

Apple TV

tvOS 15.4, the new update for the Apple TV, will improve the collaboration with the iPhone even more. The combination with iOS 15.4 makes it possible to quickly log in to WiFi networks.

Consumers can also choose what is in the Next one screen appears in the Apple TV app. Now this is determined automatically. It is possible to choose a frozen frame or the poster of the relevant title.

Tap to Pay

Apple is going to make paying with your iPhone a lot more accessible through Tap to Pay† Whether the functionality will actually be rolled out with iOS 15.4 is not 100% clear yet, but evidence for the option is emerging in several betas.

The link above refers you to the article that Jelle dedicated to the new functionality. He explains all the ins and outs to you.

Improvements in iOS 15.4

iOS 15.4 doesn’t just add new features to your iPhone. The upcoming update will also bring some improvements. We list them for you:

• Ringtones on AirPods, or other audio devices, are no longer reduced in quality. The quality will only go down when you answer the call.
• It is possible to login to websites and applications that support it with PassKey technology
• SharePlay can now be selected by default under the Share options on your iPhone. Of course only with supported applications.
• The AirPods popup on your iPhone’s screen will now show a small (L) and (R).
• You can for Notes set different gestures. This way you decide what you can do with a swipe from the bottom left and from the bottom right.

iOS 15.4: These issues are resolved

Besides the introduction of a lot of improvements and new functionalities, there are actually problems that are solved. Since the first developer beta has only just been released, we don’t know much about this at the moment.

What we do know is the developers get access to ProMotion† That was already the case, of course, but due to an annoying bug, most developers were only able to take advantage of 60Hz refresh rate. Thanks to iOS 15.4, these applications can also be used with a refresh rate of 120Hz.