Apple unveiled its latest operating system for iPhones, iOS 15, at WWDC last year. The OS brought some notable features such as redesigned Safari browser, Focus Mode, Live Text, FaceTime support outside Apple ecosystem and others. But the company also teased several other features that still are not available to users. The tech giant is now working on iOS 15.4 update for iPhone users and it recently seeded the fourth beta of the update for testing purposes. As spotted in the beta versions, the upcoming iOS update will come with several new features and improvements. Here is a list of features spotted in beta versions of iOS 15.4 that Apple may roll out for Apple iPhones soon.
Face ID with mask feature
Apple is working on a new functionality to the Face ID feature that allows users to unlock their iPhones with a mask on. Currently, the feature is only limited to beta users. With the new beta update, when you try to unlock your iPhone through Face ID with a mask on, you will be prompted to ‘Look Down’ to unlock your smartphone. The prompt will only appear if you are holding your iPhone lower than eye level.
37 New emojis
Apple iPhone users will get 37 new emoji and 75 skin tone additions with the upcoming iOS update. The new additions to the emoji panel include heart hands, person with crown, low-battery, biting lip, pointing finger, handshake and many more. The new emoji will be available in the emoji picker section on iPhone and iPad automatically after the update.
SharePlay option in share menu
The company is planning to add a dedicated SharePlay option in the share menu. The option is already available to beta iOS users. The SharePlay feature gives users the ability to stream movies, TV, music and other media using FaceTime. When a user plays media, playback immediately starts for the whole group at the same time.
Redesigned pop-up for AirPods
When you open the case of AirPods near your iPhone, the smartphone shows you a pop-up that displays the battery left in the charging case and in each AirPod. With the upcoming update, the tech giant is planning to redesign the pop-up with tweaked icons.
Anti-stalking feature for AirTag
After several AirTag users raised concerns about the device’s misuse, Apple announced changes and new features to stop unwanted stalking. With iOS 15.4 beta, Apple has added a new message to the AirTag setup screen which advises users that “using this item to track people without their consent is a crime in many regions around the world.”
Addressing alert issues with Find My app
Several users who have reported receiving an “Unknown Accessory Detected” alert. Apple has confirmed this alert will not display if an AirTag is detected near you — only AirPods (3rd generation), AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, or a third-party Find My network accessory. In the same software update, the company will be updating the alert users receive to indicate that AirPods have been traveling with them instead of an “Unknown Accessory.”
Tap to Pay feature
With the second beta update of iOS 15.4, Apple added support for a new ‘Tap to Pay on iPhone’ feature. For those who don’t know, the feature will allow iPhones to use their NFC to accept payments through contactless credit and debit cards, digital wallets and Apple Pay without pairing any additional hardware. As the feature requires support of third-party providers, it is not available for use.
Digital IDs in Wallet
The tech giant may be planning to add support for digital IDs with iOS 15.4. The feature was first announced by Apple during WWDC last year when it unveiled the iOS 15 operating system. Although the latest beta update does not bring the feature, its arrival can be spotted in the PassKit code. “Find out when your driver’s license or state ID is ready to use and get important updates about your ID,” it reads.
