Apple has released the latest major software update for the iPhone, iPad, mac, Apple Watch, Apple Tv and the HomePod. The updates – iOS 16.4, iPadOS 16.4, macOS Ventura 13.3, watchOS 9.4, tvOS 16.4, and HomePod 16.4 – deliver some incremental features, improvements and bug fixes as expected. They are available globally to download on the above listed devices.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The company also released security fixes for older devices running macOS Monterey, macOS Big Sur, iOS 15.7.4, and iPadOS 15.7.4. They provide essential fixes for several vulnerabilities on the iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4
The latest iOS 16 update delivers 21 new emojis including a Wi-Fi symbol, a moose, a goose, and plain pink heart. Other improvements and bug fixes include the addition of push notifications for web apps added to the Home Screen, voice isolation for voice calls, voiceover support for maps in the Weather app and crash detection optimisations for iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models.
The latest iPadOS update has all the features available on iOS 16.4 as well as a fix for Apple Pencil responsiveness in the Notes app and addition of ‘tilt and azimuth’ support to the Apple Pencil Hover feature. To download and install iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 on the iPhone and iPad, navigate to Settings > General > Software Update. If there’s an update, select Download and Install.
macOS Ventura 13.3
The latest macOS update also delivers the 21 new emojis alongside the option to remove the background from images and objects in the Freeform app. Other enhancements and fixes include the inclusion of new keyboard layouts for languages such as Choctaw, Chickasaw, Akan, Hausa, and Yoruba; support for maps in the weather app’ and fix for Trackpad gesture when it gets stuck.
Apparently, the update also fixes the network sharing problem in macOS. To download the update, navigate to System Settings > General > Software Update > Update Now. It is recommended to restart the Mac once the update installation finishes.
watchOS 9.4
Apple Watch users will be able to download the new update via the companion app for iPhone or directly on the watch by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update. watchOS 9.4 delivers the expansion of both AFib History and Cycle Tracking to more countries; and bug fix for the cover-to-mute gesture affecting the wake-up alarm.
HomePod 16.4 and tvOS 16.4
Apple almost never provide enough details on the release notes for the HomePod and tvOS software updates. The HomePod 16.4 follows the same route with the update expected to deliver ‘stability improvements and bug fixes’. On the other hand, tvOS 16.4 introduces Dim Flashing Lights into the accessibility feature and as expected, general improvements and fixes.
Users who have automatic updates turned-on the HomePod and Apple TV, will be updated to the new software automatically. To manually update the Apple TV, Go to Settings > System > Software Updates. If there’s an update, select Download and Install. To manually update the HomePod, make sure the device is running the latest iOS, iPadOS or macOS. Open the Home app, click on the more button and then Home Settings > Software Update. Select Update if there is a new one.
PS: It is recommended to keep all the devices plugged in when any update is running.