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| Apple will release iOS 15.4 next week |
Next week, Apple is preparing to release iOS 15.4. The update, which has been in beta since January, includes a bunch of new features that improve the overall user experience.
Apple hasn't given a specific release date, but iOS 15.4 is expected to be available for download as an update on March 18. On the same day, the new iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro will be available in green.
As mentioned in the press release, the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro both come with iOS 15.4. So it makes sense to release the update on the same day.
iOS 15.4 brought Face ID compatibility with face masks, which let you unlock your phone while wearing a mask, and the feature worked well in beta.
Apple has already tried to fix the Face Shield issue by creating a feature that bypasses Face ID, and if you have an Apple Watch, use your Apple Watch to verify your identity instead.
The new update should make it easier to unlock your phone while wearing a mask. You don't have to enter your password repeatedly or tie your Apple Watch to your wrist.
iOS 15.4 also introduces a new Tap-to-Pay feature, which turns compatible iPhones into contactless payment terminals.
This means that you are likely to see more retailers using the iPhone as a digital cash register. It will likely replace the Square card reader, which plugs directly into your iPhone.
The feature supports payments via Apple Pay, NFC-enabled credit and debit cards, and other digital wallets.
Apple brings many features to iOS 15.4
iOS 15.4 introduces a new security feature for AirTag trackers used to track people. The update includes a notice warning users against using AirTag to track someone's location without their consent. This is based on the anti-tracking feature that the company released in February.
Other notable features include the fifth American voice for Assistant Siri. iOS 15.4 also introduces 36 new emojis to spice up your messages.
iOS 15.4 is compatible with any device that supports iOS 15, from first generation iPhone 6S to iPhone 13.
Compatible devices include iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone X and iPhone XR and iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone SE (1st and 2nd generation), and iPod touch (7th generation).