Soon after the release of the final version of iOS 15.3, Apple released the next version of its mobile operating system to the testers.
As expected, after the release of iOS 15.3, Apple released the first beta version for iOS 15.4 (and operating systems such as iPadOS, watchOS and tvOS). Currently Apple only has pre-release access for registered developers, the public beta will be followed today or early next week. After the last round which mainly brought security updates and bug fixes, now there are some new functions again. Or something well-known that Apple introduced in June last year, but has not yet been implemented.
iOS 15.4: New features
Global control
The iPadOS 15.4 beta finally brings Universal Control, which was originally supposed to be released last fall, but was pushed back to the spring of 2022. The drag and drop feature between iPad and Mac (or different Macs) and wireless keyboard and mouse sharing can be found under the Airplay & Handoff tab in the General Options. There you will find a new option called “Cursors and Keyboards (Beta)”.
Facial ID with mask and without Apple Watch
Better late than never, isn’t it? With iOS 14.5, the iPhone can be unlocked with the Apple Watch if the user wears a mask and as a result Face ID does not work. Until now, users without an Apple Watch had to trust an iPhone with a Touch ID.
In the Face ID and Passcode settings, you will find the new Face ID to change the mask. If Face ID is enabled, it will “use unique features around the eye area for recognition” instead of full face recognition. The system also has a new “Add Glasses” system to help you accurately detect your facial features. If the settings are disabled, Apple indicates that Face ID is too accurate. Opening via Face ID on the mask will only work on newer iPhones.
9to5Mac points to this
Devices are only supported from iPhone 12. Once we get the beta, we will try the new feature.
Emoji
Recognizing the new series of emojis in Unicode Federation version 14, Apple has now accepted the Federation’s recommendations and introduced a dozen new pictograms. These include melting face, greeting face, lip biting face, glasses, beans, x-rays, bubbles and more. (
Wheat beer, white sausages and white wine are still missing in Unicode. Borscht and kvass are also missing. Note d. Author
)
DualSense adjustable triggers
This release allows developers to support the adaptive trigger feature of the Play Station 5 DualSense controller.
iCloud Keychain Notes
You can add notes to the password entry of the tweet. You can see your keychain entries in Settings> Passwords.
You can add the new Apple Card widget to the home screen or Today View. It shows your current balance and expense activities. Apple has not yet brought its Apple card to Germany.
Vaccine card support in the EU
Health Apps now supports the EU format for Covid digital certifications, allowing you to add your vaccination card to the Health and Wallet apps in supported areas. Vaccine certification also finds its way into Apple Watch.
iOS 15.4: How to get it
If you want to try iOS 15.4 (or iPadOS 15.4) you have to do it on your everyday device that is not on your iPhone or iPad.
Registered developers can
developer.apple.com/download
Go to the device they want to test the beta on and use. From there you can download the developer beta profile. To enable beta profile, go to Settings> General> VPN & Device Management. Your iPhone or iPad will restart and you can go to Settings> General> Software Update to download the latest version.
To take a general beta test (which usually takes developers a few hours to a day), go to the device on which you want to run the beta.
beta.apple.com
. From there you can download the developer beta profile. To enable beta profile, go to Settings> General> VPN & Device Management. Your iPhone or iPad will restart and you can go to Settings> General> Software Update to download the latest version.
When will the final version of iOS 15.4 arrive?
If Apple follows last year’s pattern, it may make some decisions regarding the release date of iOS 15.4. The current beta is similar to iOS 14.5 from 2021, with the first beta being released on February 1, 2021. If Apple gets an update round this year
Eight beta versions
According to plans, the final version of iOS 15.4 is expected by the end of April only.
iOS 14.5 Beta 1 – February 1, 2021
iOS 14.5 Beta 1 second release – February 4, 2021
iOS 14.5 Beta 2 – February 16, 2021
iOS 14.5 Beta 3 – March 3, 2021
iOS 14.5 Beta 4 – March 15, 2021
iOS 14.5 Beta 5 – March 23, 2021
iOS 14.5 Beta 6 – March 31, 2021
iOS 14.5 Beta 7 – 7. April 2021
iOS 14.5 Beta 8 – 13. April 2021
Apple Key Note “Spring Loaded” – 20. April 2021
iOS 14.5 Final – 26. April 2021
Beatrice Ashford is a contributor at Nintendo-power.com, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. She focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. Her work highlights stories that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance, and accessible journalism that keeps readers connected to the issues shaping the world around them.