Apple today released iOS and iPadOS 14.4, the fourth major update to the iOS 14 operating system 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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The iOS and iPadOS 14.4 updates are free to download and the software is available wirelessly on all eligible devices in the Settings app. To access the new software, go to Settings> General> Software Update.
With iOS 14.4, the camera can recognize smaller QR codes, and there is a function to specify a device type for third-party Bluetooth connected audio devices, so that the headphone audio level can be measured correctly.
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The update also provides notifications for when the camera on an iPhone cannot be verified as a new genuine Apple camera in the iPhone 12 models, which would only apply to repairs.
There are several bug fixes for issues including image artifacts appearing in HDR photos taken with the iPhone 12 Pro, issues with fitness widget not updating properly and a bug that could slow down typing, and word suggestions not showing up when using 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 Camera
– Option to classify the Bluetooth device type in Settings for proper identification of headphones for audio notification
– Notifications for when the camera on your iPhone cannot be verified as a new, original Apple camera in iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro MaxThis release also addresses the following issues:
– Image artifacts may appear in HDR photos taken with iPhone 12 Pro
– 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 be displayed in the correct language in Messages
– Audio stories from the News app in CarPlay may not resume after paused for spoken instructions or Siri
– If you turn on Switch Control in Accessibility, phone calls may not be answered from the lock screen
While not mentioned in the release notes, there is a “Time to Walk” feature for Apple Fitness + users on Apple Watch, allowing them to listen to inspiring stories while walking.
In conjunction with a HomePod mini and the HomePod 14.4 software update, iOS 14.4 introduces new U1 Ultra Wideband functionality between the HomePod mini and the iPhone 11 and 12 models with a U1 chip. The U1 chip improves transmission with visual, audible and haptic effects when transferring songs from the iPhone to the HomePod mini.
The iPhone will provide personalized listening suggestions in addition to a medHomePod mini, and the media controls for the HomePod mini will appear automatically without unlocking the iPhone. These features are limited to the HomePod mini as the HomePod does not have a U1 chip and an iPhone 11 or 12 is required.
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To learn more about the iOS 14 operating system, we have a complete iOS 14 collection that goes through all the features Apple has introduced since iOS 13.