What’s New in iOS 16.4: Voice Isolation, Dim Flashing Lights, and More!
Apple has released its latest operating system update, iOS 16.4, which includes a range of new features and improvements.[0] One of the most notable additions is Voice Isolation mode, which now works for phone calls as well as FaceTime.[1] This feature prioritises the user's voice and blocks out ambient noise, resulting in clearer audio for both parties involved in the call.[2] Another accessibility option added in iOS 16.4 is Dim Flashing Lights, which automatically dims the display of videos when flashes of light or strobe effects are detected.[3]
iOS 16.4 also introduces 21 new emojis, including animals, hand gestures, and objects.[4] The update brings back the page curl effect for Apple Books, which had been removed in a previous iOS update.[5] Additionally, three new order-tracking widgets have been added for Apple Wallet, in small, medium, and large sizes.[1]
iPadOS 16.4 has added tilt and azimuth support to the Apple Pencil hover feature, allowing users to preview their mark at any angle before applying it.[6] Apple Podcasts has also been updated, with a Channels tab now available in the Library section, showing different networks followed, and “Up Next” allowing users to resume episodes and remove shows they want to skip.[7]
There are some improvements for gamers, too, as iOS 16.4 adds support for the customizable PlayStation 5 DualSense Edge Wireless Controller.[1] Web apps saved to the home screen can now send web push notifications in iOS 16.4, just like on Macs.[8] Furthermore, the update reintroduces the HomeKit architecture update that was pulled from iOS 16.2 due to bugs.[9]
To install the update, users should go to Settings > General > Software Update, and the update should be available for download.[10] However, it may take a few minutes to appear, as Apple's updates can take a little time to roll out to all devices.[11]
0. “12 iOS 16.4 features that are about to make your iPhone even better” Digital Trends, 27 Mar. 2023, https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/12-ios-164-features-that-are-about-to-make-your-iphone-even-better/
1. “iOS 16.4 is here with new emojis — 5 features that'll raise your eyebrows” Laptop Mag, 28 Mar. 2023, https://www.laptopmag.com/news/ios-164-is-here-with-new-emojis-5-features-thatll-raise-your-eyebrows
2. “The Best New iPhone Features in iOS 16.4” Yahoo Entertainment, 27 Mar. 2023, https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/best-iphone-features-ios-16-173000434.html
3. “Apple Releases tvOS 16.4 for Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD Devices With a Cool New Feature” Cord Cutters News, 28 Mar. 2023, https://cordcuttersnews.com/apple-releases-tvos-16-4-for-apple-tv-4k-and-apple-tv-hd-devices-with-a-cool-new-feature/
4. “iOS 16.4 Emoji Changelog” Emojipedia, 27 Mar. 2023, https://blog.emojipedia.org/ios-16-4-emoji-changelog/
5. “How to find these awesome hidden iOS 16.4 features on your iPhone” Macworld, 27 Mar. 2023, https://www.macworld.com/article/1668373/ios-16-4-hidden-features-voice-isolation-page-turn-duplicate-photos.html
6. “Apple discusses iPadOS 16.4’s new Pencil hover features” TechCrunch, 27 Mar. 2023, https://techcrunch.com/2023/03/27/apple-discusses-ipados-16-4s-new-pencil-hover-features/
7. “iOS 16.4 Features: Everything New in iOS 16.4” MacRumors, 28 Mar. 2023, https://www.macrumors.com/guide/ios-16-4-new-features/
8. “iOS 16.4 is out: these are the new features and security updates” PhoneArena, 28 Mar. 2023, https://www.phonearena.com/news/ios16.4-is-out-new-features-security-updates_id146501
9. “iOS 16.4 is here: 3 reasons to upgrade to right now” Macworld, 22 Mar. 2023, https://www.macworld.com/article/1660169/ios-16-4-new-features-upgrade-home-architecture-emoji-web-app.html
10. “iOS 16.4 is here, and it brings new emoji like a moose and goose to your iPhone” The Verge, 27 Mar. 2023, https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/27/23658317/ios-16-4-new-emoji-safari-web-push-notifications-voice-isolation
11. “How to enable Voice Isolation on iPhone with iOS 16.4” 9to5Mac, 27 Mar. 2023, https://9to5mac.com/2023/03/27/ios-16-4-voice-isolation-cellular-calls/
