Apple release released the latest version of their mobile operating system, iOS 16.4, on Monday, and it’s safe to say that it’s one of the most feature-rich updates we’ve seen in a while. With numerous new features, improvements, bug patches, and emoji, iOS 16.4 brings a lot to the table. In this article, we’ll dive into some of the exciting new features of iOS 16.4 and explore how they can improve your daily use of your iPhone or iPad.

One of the most significant changes in iOS 16.4 is the improvements to Shortcuts, Apple’s automation app. The app receives a lot of attention in this release, with new actions that allow users to toggle Silence Unknown Callers, Auto Answer Calls, Night Shift, True Tone, and more. Users can now retrieve screen recordings within the Photos app, connect to a VPN, and use Siri to activate the set playback destination action. If you’re a fan of Shortcuts, iOS 16.4 is a must-have.

Another notable change in iOS 16.4 is the improvements to the Music app’s user interface. While there are no significant changes to the app, there are a few UI tweaks that make the experience more enjoyable. The pop-up that appears when you add music to your Library or Up Next queue has been reduced in size and moved to the bottom of the screen. There’s also a new Sort button, smaller playlist thumbnails, and a profile button in the upper right corner of every Music app page. The enhanced waveform that shows with track titles is also a favorite new feature, which now corresponds precisely to the audio being played.

Here are the list of the New Features and Updates for iOS 16.4

What has changed in iOS 16.4?

As previously said, iOS 16.4 is jam-packed with new features. This blog will take you step by step through a big portion of what’s new. But, in this written piece, I’d want to focus on a couple of the new features that I found intriguing.

Many Shortcuts updates

Other from WebKit, the fundamental technology of Safari, the Shortcuts app receives the most attention in iOS 16.4. Toggling Silence Unknown Callers, Auto Answer Calls, Night Shift, and True Tone are among the new shortcut activities. You’ll also discover additional actions for toggling the iPhone 14 Pro’s Always On Display, shutting down your iphone, locking the screen, and much more.

My favorite new action is devoted to the Communication function, which is compatible with iOS devices and HomePods. This new action may deliver a message given in over Intercom, accept text and media files, and broadcast to all HomePods in your home.

Other Shortcuts enhancements in iOS 16.4 include the ability to retrieve screen recordings within the Photos app, connect to a VPN, and use Siri to activate the set playback destination action. What’s the bottom line? If you enjoy Shortcuts, iOS 16.4 is a must-have.

Changes to the user interface of the music app

The Music app receives no major changes in iOS 16.4, although there are a few UI adjustments that I like. The pop-up that used to show when you added music to your Library or Up Next queue has been drastically reduced in size and is now located at the bottom of the screen. There’s also a new Sort button, smaller playlist thumbnails, and a profile button in the upper right corner of every Music app page.

The enhanced waveform that shows with track titles is my favorite new Music app feature. Before, the waveform was merely a generic animation with no connection to the song playing. The modified waveform in iOS 16.4 corresponds precisely to the audio being played.

Rich Mastodon previews in Message

One of the more obscure updates in iOS 16.4 is the rich Mastodon previews in Messages. While Mastodon is not yet mainstream, it is a thriving platform for tech enthusiasts, and Apple’s decision to add rich previews to the Messages app in iOS 16.4 is a welcome one for those who use Mastodon regularly. With this feature, users can now preview Mastodon links in Messages with a thumbnail, title, and description, making it easier to know what they are clicking on.

The rich Mastodon previews in Messages are part of Apple’s broader effort to enhance its messaging app and make it more user-friendly. Apple has been working to integrate third-party services into its Messages app, and the addition of rich previews for Mastodon links is just one example of how the company is achieving this goal. With iOS 16.4, Apple is making it easier for users to stay connected with their friends and family, whether they use Mastodon or not.

Overall, the rich Mastodon previews in Messages are a minor but welcome addition to iOS 16.4. They demonstrate Apple’s commitment to making its messaging app more user-friendly and versatile, and they are sure to be appreciated by Mastodon enthusiasts. With the release of iOS 16.4, Apple has once again shown that it is dedicated to improving its products and providing its users with the best possible experience. Whether you use Mastodon or not, the rich previews in Messages are just one of many features that make iOS 16.4 an excellent update to Apple’s mobile operating system.

Focus modes with always-on display choices

One of the most significant enhancements in iOS 16.4 is the Focus modes feature. The new feature allows users to customize their device’s behavior and notifications based on their current activity or location. The Focus mode comes with four preset options, including Personal, Work, Sleep, and Do Not Disturb. However, users can also create their custom Focus modes, allowing them to tailor their device’s behavior to their unique needs.

In addition to the Focus modes, iOS 16.4 also introduces the Always-On Display (AOD) option for the iPhone 14 Pro. The AOD feature enables users to view the time, date, and other essential information on their iPhone’s screen, even when the device is locked. With Focus modes and AOD, users can now tailor their device’s behavior and display options to suit their lifestyle and preferences.

Moreover, the Focus modes feature can be combined with the AOD to further enhance the user experience. For instance, users can set up a custom Focus mode that enables the AOD only during specific times of the day, such as when they are in a meeting or driving. This way, users can conserve their iPhone’s battery life while still having access to essential information when they need it. Overall, iOS 16.4’s Focus modes and AOD options demonstrate Apple’s commitment to providing users with a more personalized and intuitive experience.

Browser improvements

WebKit, and by extension, Safari, received the most attention of all the improvements in iOS 16.4. According to the WebKit website, version 16.4 provides 135 new web features and over 280 polish upgrades.

Support for establishing Home Screen bookmarks straight from third-party browsers is one of the more visible web-focused enhancements in iOS 16.4. Also, while opening these Home Screen bookmarks, the established default browser registered in iOS’ settings will now be respected.

Web applications now offer push notifications for the first time, including notification badges and compatibility with iOS’ Focus modes. This modification should make web applications far more appealing than they were previously.

The Perspective of BloggRocket

In conclusion, iOS 16.4 is a major update that brings significant changes and improvements to the iPhone and iPad. There is a lot to explore and enjoy in this update. The addition of rich Mastodon previews in Messages and the numerous WebKit and Safari improvements make web applications more appealing and user-friendly. Overall, iOS 16.4 offers a diverse range of new features and bug fixes that make it a must-have for any iPhone or iPad user. It will be exciting to see what new features will be added in the future as iOS 16 continues to evolve.

Which new iOS 16.4 feature is your favorite? Leave your opinions in the comments section below.