Samuel Axon
Today, Apple released the public releases of all of its operating systems, including iOS/iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. These releases include new features on all platforms, not just bug fixes or security updates.
As usual, the iOS and iPad update (iOS and iPadOS 15.4) is the most significant in terms of number and magnitude of changes. The two biggest new features are undoubtedly Universal Control support for the iPad and the ability to use Face ID while wearing a protective face mask.
To use Face ID with a mask, users must sign up for the capability in Settings. And Universal Control, which allows users to seamlessly control both a Mac and an iPad with the same input devices, requires both an iPad and a Mac with the latest software versions.
As previously reported, iOS 15.4 allows iPhones to receive contactless payments via NFC without the use of additional hardware, improving the phone’s usability as a point of sale. There are also plenty of new emojis and there is now support for the EU Digital COVID certificate format when storing vaccination information in Wallet.
On the Mac side, macOS Monterey 12.3 also adds support for Universal Control and new emoji. It also adds support for Spatial Audio dynamic head tracking in the Music app on M1 Macs when paired with supported AirPods headphones.
Other notable changes in iOS, iPadOS, and macOS include the addition of a new US English Siri voice option, support for Italian and Chinese (traditional) in Safari’s built-in web page translator, and a host of other tweaks and bug fixes.
As for watchOS and tvOS, the updates are smaller, but there are still some new features.
watchOS 8.5 also adds support for the EU Digital COVID certificate. The Apple Watch can now be used to authorize purchases on the Apple TV, there are new audio hints in Fitness+ workouts, and the update includes “updates to irregular heart rhythm notifications designed to improve identification of atrial fibrillation.”
And then there is tvOS. The Apple TV software now supports captive Wi-Fi networks, meaning you can use an iOS or iPadOS device to help the set-top box connect to hotel Wi-Fi and other networks that require you to go through some sort of special dialogue. This capability is now also available on HomePod speakers with the latest software.
tvOS 15.4 includes an update to the Spatial Audio configuration interface, new volume controls, and a new feature to move seamlessly from one video to another.
All of these updates are available today on supported devices. Continue reading below for Apple’s full release notes for the iOS, macOS, and watchOS updates.
