Apple has started seeding out the iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 Release Candidate (RC) for developers, just a week after the previous beta release. This new update offers various features and changes to enhance the user experience on iPhones. In addition to the release of the iOS 16.4/iPadOS 16.4 RC for developers, it is worth mentioning that the Public RC is also rolling out now. This means that public beta testers can also try out the new features and changes, and provide feedback to Apple before the official release.
To install the public RC, users can go to the Apple Beta Software Program website and enroll their devices in the beta program. Once enrolled, they will receive a notification to download the iOS 16.4 RC update. This allows a wider range of users to test the new update and provide valuable feedback to Apple.
If you are a registered developer beta tester, you can get your hands on the iOS 16.4 RC today. The update can be installed over the air by navigating to the Settings app, selecting General, and then choosing Software Update. Public beta testers can also access the new update. The build number for the latest update is 20E246.
It is worth highlighting that the release of an RC build usually signifies that the official launch of the new iOS version is just around the corner. As such, it is highly likely that iOS 16.4 will be released to all users in the near future. Once any issues or bugs are addressed, the final version of iOS 16.4 will be ready for official release
With the release of the iOS 16.4 RC, developers and public beta testers can test the new features and changes and provide feedback to Apple to ensure a smoother release to the general public. As always, users can expect a notification when the new update is available for download.
The iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 updates not only offer various improvements and bug fixes, but they also include a fun addition of new emoji characters. The update introduces 31 new emoji characters, such as the shaking head, pink heart, light blue heart, donkey, moose, jellyfish, hyacinth, ginger, black bird, and more. In addition to these new characters, the update also includes left and right hand options in several skin tones.
The iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 updates bring a host of exciting new features, including the addition of Safari Web Push notifications on iPhones and iPads. This feature allows users to receive push notifications from websites that have been added to their device’s Home Screen, just like on Macs. These notifications behave like any other iOS notification, allowing users to stay up-to-date with the latest information and updates from their favorite websites.
Furthermore, third-party browsers like Chrome can now enable users to add websites to their Home Screen. Additionally, Apple has reintroduced the HomeKit architecture upgrade, which allows for more seamless integration with smart home devices.
Other changes in the update include updates to Podcasts and Apple Music, new options for Shortcuts, reintroduced page-turning animation for Apple Books, and more.
Here are the official release notes for iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4?
- 21 new emoji including animals, hand gestures, and objects are now available in emoji keyboard
- Notifications for web apps added to the Home Screen
- Voice Isolation for cellular calls prioritizes your voice and blocks out ambient noise around you
- Duplicates album in Photos expands support to detect duplicate photos and videos in an iCloud Shared Photo Library
- VoiceOver support for maps in the Weather app
- Accessibility setting to automatically dim video when flashes of light or strobe effects are detected
- Fixes an issue where Ask to Buy requests from children may fail to appear on the parent’s device
- Addresses issues where Matter-compatible thermostats could become unresponsive when paired to Apple Home
- Crash Detection optimizations on iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models