Apple today released iOS and iPadOS 14.4, the fourth major update to the iOS 14 operating system that was originally released in September. iOS and iPadOS 14.4 come more than a month after the release of iOS and iPadOS 14.3, updates that brought new emojis, intercom support and more.
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IOS and iPadOS 14.4 updates can be downloaded for free, and the software is available on all eligible devices, live in the Settings app. To access the new software, go to Settings> General> Software Update.
iOS 14.4 allows the camera to recognize smaller QR codes, and there is a feature for specifying a device type for third-party Bluetooth-connected audio devices so that headphone level measurements can be performed correctly.
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The update also provides notifications for the situation where the camera on an iPhone cannot be verified as a new, authentic Apple camera on iPhone 12 models, which would only be applicable for repairs.
There are several bug fixes for issues that include image artifacts that appear in HDR photos taken with the iPhone 12 Pro, problems with the Fitness widget not updating properly, and an error that could cause a delay in typing and word suggestions not to appear then when using the keyboard.
Apple’s full release notes for the update are below:
iOS 14.4 includes the following enhancements for iPhone:
– Smaller QR codes can be recognized by the camera
– Bluetooth device type classification option in Settings for correctly identifying headphones for audio notifications
– Notifications when the camera on cameraiPhone can’t be verified as a new, genuine Apple camera in iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro MaxThis release also fixes the following issues:
– Image artifacts may appear in HDR photos taken with the iPhone 12 Pro
– The Fitness widget may not display updated activity data
– Typing may be delayed and word suggestions may not appear on the keyboard
– The keyboard may not appear in the correct language in Messages
– Audio stories in the CarPlay News app may not resume after they have been paused for voice guidance or Siri
– Enabling accessibility switch control may prevent answering phone calls from the lock screen
Although not mentioned in the release notes, there is a “Walking Time” feature for Apple Fitness + users on the Apple Watch, which allows them to listen to inspired stories as they go for a walk.
When paired with a HomePod mini and HomePod 14.4 software update, iOS 14.4 introduces a new U1 Ultra Wideband functionality between HomePod mini and the iPhone 11 and 12 U1 chip models. The U1 chip enhances the transfer with visual, sound and haptic effects when transferring songs from “iPhone” to “HomePod mini”.
Phone will provide personalized listening suggestions when you are near HomePod mini, and media commands for HomePod mini will appear automatically without the need to unlock iPhone. These features are limited to HomePod mini, as HomePod does not have a U1 chip and requires an honeiPhone 11 or 12.
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For more about the OSiOS 14 operating system, we have a complete iOS 14 summary that goes through all the features that Apple has introduced since iOS 13.