Early this morning, Apple pushed the latest iOS/iPadOS 16.4 RC release candidate update to iPhone and iPad users, build number 20E246. This update comes six days after the last Beta 4 beta release on March 16 and 62 days after the last RC release.
Also released today is the iOS 15.7 RC Candidate System, which mainly brings vulnerability fixes and security updates to iPhone 6s - 7 series users who cannot upgrade the iOS 16 system. Since Apple has long stopped developing new features for the previous generation of iOS 15 system, there will be no new features, and old device users can pay attention to next week's official version.
How to upgrade iOS 16.4 RC?
In this update, ordinary users still support the detection and upgrade through iOS16 installation profiles, and it is estimated that it will be possible to abolish the beta profile upgrade after the official release of iOS 16.4, and only the developer account internal beta push will be enabled.
For device users who have previously installed the "iOS16 Beta Profile", they can still enter the iPhone's "Settings" -> "General" - > "Software Update" to upgrade the latest beta version online, as shown in the figure.
For iPhone users who need to try the upgrade and have not yet installed the configuration file, Xiaobian also has the iOS 16 beta and beta version of the configuration file ready, as shown in the figure.
What is updated in iOS 16.4 Beta 4?
iOS 16.4 RC continues the updates from previous versions, including new emoji characters, Safari web push notifications on iPhone and iPad, Focus support for web push notifications, HomeKit architecture upgrades, AppleCare coverage overview, and more, as well as some detailed improvements and bug fixes.
In the first 4 beta betas of iOS 16.4 previously released, the changes worth noting mainly include:
1. Added 31 emoji characters
2. Apple ID is online, and developers can use the Apple ID for personal use and the Apple ID for developers to switch between two independent accounts. Among them, the developer account is mainly used to upgrade to the latest beta version.
3. Safari web pages on iPhone and iPad can receive push notifications.
4. HomeKit architecture upgrades and app details such as Apple Music, shortcuts, device warranty inquiry, and Apple Books page turning.
5. Bug fixes and stability improvements, etc.
In the latest iOS 16.4 RC release candidate, the changelog has added some new content, mainly including:
1. Duplicate album extension supports detecting iCloud shared photos;
2, VoiceOver supports maps in weather applications;
3. Accessibility settings, automatically dim the video when the flash or strobe effect is detected;
4. Fixed the problem that children's "purchase request" requests may not appear on parents' devices;
5. Solve the problem that the thermostat compatible with Matter may not respond when paired with Apple Home;
6. Crash collision detection optimization for iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models.
Through testing, iOS 16.4 RC Preview also adds some new features, mainly including:
1. iPhone calls add voice highlighting function
According to reports, Voice Isolation prioritizes your voice and blocks out ambient noise around you, making calls clearer and you can better hear the voice of the person you're chatting with.
Previously, voice highlighting was available for VoIP calls using FaceTime, WhatsApp, and other apps on devices running iOS 15 or macOS Monterey or later, designed to significantly improve microphone quality when on calls by reducing background noise. Now, Apple is starting to support voice calls on iPhone phones.
iPhone users upgrading to iOS 16.4 RC and later can enable voice highlighting by:
1. Start talking to any friend on the iPhone first;
2. During the call, open the Control Center on your iPhone -> Tap Microphone Mode -> Select the Select Voice Highlighting option from the list to turn on, as shown in the figure.
When this mode is turned on, iPhone will block external sounds to focus on your voice. If you want to disable this mode, simply follow the same steps again and select the standard option from the list.
iOS 16.4 allows health authorities to end support for the Exposure Notification API
In the iOS 16.4 RC version, Apple allowed health agencies to stop adopting the exposure notification API. After the health authority decides to end support for the feature, users will receive a notification on their iPhone.
Previously, Apple and Google launched the Exposure Notifications API (Exposure Notifications API) in 2020 when the new crown epidemic broke out. This feature is primarily used to alert owners to the risk of COVID-19 exposure, test if necessary, and self-isolate. As the global epidemic gradually dissipated, the function gradually became less necessary.
In addition to adding new features, some developers also found some hidden code in the iOS 16.4 RC code, which seems to hint at new AirPods devices, mentioning the new AirPods shell with models A3048 and A2968, which means that Apple may launch new AirPods wireless headphones soon.
In general, iOS 16.4 RC version is also a big change, after all, there are new features released, but also hint at new AirPods and so on. With the release of iOS 16.4 RC and iOS 15.7 RC candidates, it is likely that the official version of the system will be released next week.
The above is the iOS16.4 RC candidate upgrade experience, this time ushered in two version updates, and next week is likely to release iOS 16.4 and iOS 15.7 official version. For devices that have previously installed a profile, if you want to upgrade as soon as possible, you can brainstorm. For regular users who do not have profiles installed, it is recommended to wait until next week's official release before upgrading.