Now that Apple has released the second developer beta of iOS 14.4, we’ve downloaded it to see what changes Apple has in store when the update is finally released to the public.
Despite the long gap between the first beta of iOS 14.4 and the second, not that much has changed.
The most visible change is ongoing improvements to the updated HomePod mini transfer experience. This updated experience is based on the U1 ultra-wideband chip found in the HomePod mini and on recent iPhones.
Transfer to HomePod mini
This enhanced experience has auditory, physical and visual cues to signal the transfer of your audio from your phone to your HomePod mini and back again. This feature was present in the first beta, but is much smoother in beta compared to the initial buggy implementation. It was so buggy that it was difficult to perform the procedure reliably, and iPhones often got stuck in the processor – or didn’t recognize the HomePod mini at all.
When you send audio back to your iPhone from the HomePod mini, the “transfer to iPhone” button now works properly, when it used to be just a placeholder.
New splash screen in the Find My app
The other notable change is in the Find My app. After updating to the second beta of iOS 14.4, when you launch Find My, a new splash screen will appear explaining the new features of the app.
New features include support for third-party accessories, improved notifications for your friends and family, and Find My Network, which helps you find lost items even when you’re not connected to Wi-Fi.
Belkin is the first to support the Find My app with the upcoming SoundForm Freedom True Wireless earbuds announced at CES 2021.
All of this seems to pave the way for AirTags which are expected to arrive in the near future. Recently a new URL scheme was discovered that would open a new panel in the Find My app for use with compatible accessories. However, that is also supported in iOS 14.3.