Apple today released iOS and iPadOS 14.4, the fourth major update to the iOS 14 operating system, which 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, support for Intercom and more.
/article-new/2021/01/14.4-on-iPhone-12-feature.jpg?resize=560%2C315&ssl=1)
Updates for iOS and iPadOS 14.4 can be downloaded for free and the software is available on all eligible over-the-air devices 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 audio devices connected via Bluetooth, so that measurements of the headset’s audio level can be made correctly.
/article-new/2021/01/ios-14-4-bluetooth-device-type.jpg?resize=560%2C549&ssl=1)
The update also provides notifications for when the camera on an iPhone cannot be verified as a genuine new Apple camera on the iPhone 12 models, which would only apply for repairs.
There are several bugfixes for problems that include image artifacts that appear in HDR photos taken with the iPhone 12 Pro, problems with the fitness widget that is not updated correctly, and a bug that can delay typing and not display word suggestions when use the keyboard.
Apple’s full release notes for the update are below:
iOS 14.4 includes the following improvements for your iPhone:
– Smaller QR codes can be recognized by the camera
– Option to classify the type of Bluetooth device in Settings for correct identification of headphones for audio notifications
– Notifications when the camera on your iPhone cannot be verified as a genuine new Apple camera on the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro MaxThis release also fixes the following problems:
– Image artifacts can appear in HDR photos taken with iPhone 12 Pro
– The fitness widget may not display updated activity data
– Typing may take time and word suggestions may not appear on the keyboard
– The keyboard may not appear in the correct language in messages
– News stories from the News app on CarPlay may not resume after being paused for spoken instructions or Siri
– Enabling accessibility exchange control can prevent calls from being answered on the lock screen
Although not mentioned in the release notes, there is a “Time to Walk” feature for Apple Fitness + users on the Apple Watch, which allows them to hear inspiring stories as they go for a walk.
When paired with a HomePod mini and the HomePod 14.4 software update, iOS 14.4 introduces the new U1 Ultra Wideband functionality between the HomePod mini and iPhone 11 and 12 models with a U1 chip. The U1 chip improves transfer with visual, sound and tactile effects when transferring music from iPhone to HomePod mini.
The PiPhone will provide personalized listening suggestions when next to a HomePod mini, and the media controls for the HomePod mini will automatically appear without the need to unlock the iPhone. These features are limited to the HomePod mini, as the HomePod does not have a U1 chip and a iPhone 11hone or 12 is required.
/article-new/2020/12/homepod-mini-14-4-u1-chip.jpg?resize=560%2C603&ssl=1)
To learn more about the iOS 14 operating system, we have a complete summary of iOS 14 that features all the features that Apple has introduced since iOS 13.