After a beta cycle that began in mid-December, Apple is delivering the final version of iOS 14.4 and iPadOS 14.4 (build 18D52, the same as the release candidate) tonight, as well as for tvOS 14.4 (build 18K802) and watchOS 7.3 (build 18S801). Enough to seriously heat the box!
iOS 14.4 contains fixes as well as several new features, the most visible being the audio transfer function between iPhones equipped with the U1 chip (iPhone 11 and 12) and the HomePod mini. The distance between the two devices is taken into account with the taptic engine of the smartphone which vibrates more and more when it is brought closer to the speaker (read our overview). To take advantage of it, you must also download version 14.4 of the HomePod mini software, also available for the HomePod period, but without this new transfer.
iOS 14.4 also displays an alert that warns in the event of the presence of a photo unit replaced on an iPhone 12 (all the range) by an unauthorized component. This notification should not prevent the camera from working properly.
Other new features include the Camera app’s recognition of small QR codes and the new option Earphone notifications in the panel Sounds and vibrations > Headphone Safety.
iOS 14.4 also has its share of fixes: artifacts in HDR photos taken with the iPhone 12 Pro should be a thing of the past, as should the on-screen keyboard typing delay and word suggestions; the Shape widget should now correctly display the up-to-date Activity data; calls can again be taken from the locked screen with a Bluetooth device selected in the settings Accessibility > Selection control > Buttons..
iOS 14.4, release notes
iOS 14.4 includes the following enhancements for your iPhone:
- Smaller QR codes can be recognized by the Camera app.
- There is an option to classify Bluetooth devices by type in the Settings app to better recognize headphones in audio notifications.
- A notification will appear when the iPhone fails to verify if it has a new genuine Apple camera (on iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max).
Additionally, this release fixes the following issues:
- Artifacts are likely to appear in HDR photos taken with iPhone 12 Pro.
- Updated data from the Activity app might not display in the Fit widget.
- Slowdowns are likely to be observed when typing on the keyboard, and word suggestions may not be displayed.
- The keyboard may not display in the expected language in Messages.
- Enabling selection control in Accessibility might prevent you from answering phone calls from the locked screen.
HomePod et HomePod mini version 14.4, notes de version
Software version 14.4 provides fixes and the following new features when used with an iPhone equipped with Ultra Wideband (U1) technology.
- Transfer your music from your iPhone to HomePod mini with visual and sound effects as well as vibration.
- Get listening suggestions on your iPhone when it’s near HomePod mini.
- Automatic appearance of media controls without having to unlock iPhone when iPhone is near HomePod mini.
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