Apple today pushed the iOS /iPadOS 15.4 Developer Preview Beta 2 update (build number: 19E5219e) to iPhone and iPad users, which is more than a week after the last release.
iPhone Tap to Pay
With the release of the iOS 15.4 Beta 2 beta, Apple introduced support for the "Pay Click on iPhone" feature, which is designed to allow NFC-compatible iPhones to accept payments through Apple Pay, contactless and debit cards, and other digital wallets without the need for additional hardware. Currently only supported in the United States.
In the iOS 15.4 beta, Tap to Pay on the iPhone is enabled, but it does require third-party vendors to add support, so it won't work yet. End users don't see its outward signs, but there's a new "PaymentReceived" sound file and picture that showcases tap to Pay's interface.
The code indicates that Reward Passes and refunds will support Tap to Pay.
Face ID technical adjustments for wearing masks
When you unlock your iPhone with your new mask-wearing Face ID, you might be prompted to "look down" to unlock your device. This prompt pops up if you're holding your iPhone below eye height, because your iPhone requires eye contact to make the mask unlock function work.
Prepare for the digital ID in your wallet
Apple may be planning to roll out support for digital IDs and driver's licenses in iOS 15.4. There is not a lot of evidence yet, but this feature is mentioned in the PassKit code.
"Find out when your driver's license or state ID will be available and get important updates about your ID," it wrote.
Access iCloud data on the web
iOS 15.4 Beta 1 includes a new option to disable access to iCloud data through iCloud.com websites. However, this option has been removed from iOS 15.4 Beta 2.
The reason is unclear, but it is likely that the option was removed because it is still under development — in previous betas, disabling access to iCloud data had no effect on the iCloud website. According to internal iOS files, Apple is still working on this feature, so it should return in a future beta.
HomePod exclusive WiFi network support
Graphics found in the iOS 15.4 code confirm that Apple is adding support for dedicated WiFi networks on HomePod, allowing them to use WiFi with a web portal or additional registration steps.
With the launch of tvOS 15.4 Beta, Apple introduced support for controlled Wi-Fi networks, which requires additional login steps, such as in a hotel or dormitory.
When trying to access one of these Wi-Fi networks, the user is now prompted on their iPhone to complete the authentication process. With Beta 2, this feature also works with HomePod smart speakers.
Other code tweaks
Other new features are mentioned in the code that may not necessarily be related to the visible changes in the iOS 15.4 update, but may become content in future betas.
"You can't manage or cancel any external purchases through the App Store. For more information, please contact the developer. "This is a new line of code in the App Store framework. This may be related to the fact that dating apps in the Netherlands offer payment options that are not app store.
The "Manage My Sports" mentioned in the newsfeed framework provides further evidence that Apple is planning to provide expanded sports integration to the Apple News app. Other sports-related information was also mentioned, hinting at the new sports content push.
Previously, iOS 15.4 Beta also added support for Face ID with masks, introduced universal controls, added new emojis, and tweaked several other features.