Apple’s next operating system update will be iOS 16.4. The upcoming iOS version is currently in beta testing, and the third beta seed was released to developers and public beta testers last week. So, how many more beta seeds will we see and when will the final version be released to the public?
As noted by MacRumors, Apple has said that iOS 16.4, iPadOS 16.4, macOS Ventura 13.3, watchOS 9.4, and tvOS 16.4 will all be released to the public in the “spring.” This means the releases could take place anywhere from March 20 (which is the first day of spring) and June 21 (when summer begins).
Since betas generally go through three to five releases before a final version is released, and we’re currently on the third beta release, we could see a release as soon as late March or see it released in early April. We will likely see one more beta at the very least and we can also expect to see a release candidate, which is the same version of the release that we can expect to see used as the final release to the public.
While we wait for the final release of iOS 16.4 to appear on our devices, let’s take a look at what we can expect to see in the final release.
Upcoming iOS 16.4 Features
iOS 16.4 brings with it a long list of features.
- New emojis, including shaking head, pink heart, blue heart, gray heart, donkey, moose, blackbird, goose, wing, jellyfish, hyacinth, pea pod, ginger, fan, comb, flute, and maracas emojis.
- The ability for users to save Safari Web Push Notifications for apps to an iPhone or iPad’s Home Screen.
- Notifications for Home Screen web apps can be incorporated into Focus.
- The ability to save websites and web apps to the Home Screen from third-party browsers, including Chrome.
- The traditional “curl” page-turning animation in Apple Books makes a return.
- The HomeKit architecture upgrade that was pulled from iOS 16.2 makes a comeback.
- The Podcasts app interface is updated.
- The Apple Music app now has a prominent button for accessing your profile, making it easier for users to get to their profile settings.
