Apple today released iOS and iPadOS 14.4, the fourth major update to the iOS 14 operating system that was initially released in September. iOS and iPadOS 14.4 arrive more than a month after the release of iOS and iPadOS 14.3, updates that brought new emojis, intercom compatibility 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 on the air 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 to specify a device type for third-party Bluetooth-connected audio devices so that audio headset measurements can be made correctly. .
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The update also provides notifications of when an iPhone’s camera cannot be verified as a genuine new Apple camera from iPhone 12 models, which would only apply to 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 can cause it to be delayed typing and no word suggestions appear when using the keyboard.
Below are the full Apple release notes:
iOS 14.4 includes the following enhancements for your PiPhone:
– The camera can recognize smaller QR codes
– Option to classify the Bluetooth device type in Settings for correct headset identification for audio notifications
– Notifications when your PiPhone’s camera can’t be verified as Apple’s new original camera on “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 show up-to-date 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
– CarPlay News app audio stories may not resume after they have been paused for spoken or Siri instructions
– Enabling accessibility switching control can prevent phone calls from being answered from the lock screen
While not mentioned in the release notes, there is a “Walking Time” feature for Apple Fitness + users on the Apple Watch, which allows them to hear inspiring stories as they walk.
When combined with a HomePod mini and the HomePod 14.4 software update, iOS 14.4 introduces the new U1 Ultra Wideband functionality between the omeHomePod mini and the iPhone 11 and 12 models with U1 chip. The U1 chip enhances transmission with visual, sound and haptic effects when transferring songs from the “iPhone” to the “HomePod mini”.
The iPhone will provide personalized listening suggestions alongside a HomePod mini, and the multimedia controls on the HomePod mini will appear automatically without having to unlock the iPhone. These functions are limited to the omeHomePod mini as the HomePod does not have a U1 chip and requires a PiPhone 11 or 12.
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For more information on the OSiOS 14 operating system, we have a full summary of iOS 14 that covers all the features that Apple has introduced since iOS 13.