Apple has finally released tons of new emoji, and fixes for more than 30 security issues. The last major update, 16.3, was released to the public in late January 2023, adding for Apple’s newest HomePod and FIDO-certified Security Keys to protect Apple ID s, among other things. This was followed in mid-February by iOS 16.3.1, which introduced some critical security updates for iPhone and iPad.
With iOS 16.4, a convenient FaceTime feature, to regular phone calls, which will help to improve call quality in chaotic settings. The feature “prioritizes your voice and blocks out ambient noise around you.” Additionally, iPhone s are getting 21 new emoji with iOS 16.4: three new heart colors (gray, light blue, and pink), a “pushing hand” gesture (right- and left-facing), a rolling shocked-face smiley, a Wi-Fi icon, maracas, an afro comb, and more animals (moose, donkey, blackbird, goose, and jellyfish).
What Else Does iOS 16.4 Bring?
Apple has also introduced some new accessibility options with iOS 16.4. s can now use VoiceOver to hear descriptions of what’s shown in the Weather app’s maps. There’s also now the option to have videos automatically dim at the appearance of flashing or strobing lights. To enable this, s can go to the ‘Accessibility’ menu in ‘Settings,’ open the ‘Motion’ tab, and toggle the ‘Dim Flashing Lights’ button.
There are some important security fixes baked into iOS 16.4 as well. Apple has identified vulnerabilities across numerous systems, from the Apple Neural Engine and its fundamental Kernel program to Bluetooth, Find My, Calendar, iCloud, WebKit, and more. Some of these vulnerabilities leave the door open for potentially serious exploits, so s should jump on this update.
The update also improves Crash Detection for iPhone 14 and 14 Pro, resolves an issue with children’s Ask To Buy requests, and should fix Apple Home setup problems involving Matter-compatible thermostats. Apple’s duplicate-detection tool for photos and videos is getting better, too, with expanded to now include media stored in an iCloud Shared Photo Library. s can iOS 16.4 now by navigating to ‘Settings’ > ‘General’ > ‘Software Update.’