The American electronics giant Apple has released the new version of its smart device operating system, iOS 15.4. This version features a large set of new functionalities that enhance access to and increase the capabilities of iPhones.
It includes the long-awaited feature known as "Universal Control," which allows the use of "Face ID" for unlocking the iPhone using facial recognition, even when the user is wearing a protective mask. The new release also introduces 37 new emoji. As indicated by the name iOS 15.4, this version represents the fourth update to the base iOS 15, which was launched alongside the iPhone 13 in September.
These updates, which began with 15.1 in December, have added more features and functions to Apple's smartphone operating system and improved existing versions. The new "Universal Control" feature also allows other Apple devices to be used as a second screen for the smartphone, enabling seamless content transfer between the two devices as if they were one. This feature was first revealed as part of the macOS Monterey operating system but was delayed for fall release, later anticipated for this spring. It was also part of the beta version of iOS 15.4 and was released as a trial feature in macOS 12.3 and iPadOS 15.4.
Since the Universal Control feature is still in the testing phase, some issues may arise during its use, and it may not currently work with all iPhone devices. Apple has updated the Face ID feature to be usable with iPhone 12 and newer models while wearing a mask. Since this feature relies on a small part of the user's face for identification, users need to be more precise about the angle of the phone when capturing their face using Face ID.
This update is likely to be the largest for iPhones this year, aside from the anticipated iOS 16 update expected to be announced in June during Apple's developer conference. Last week, Apple unveiled a new lower-cost iPhone model that supports 5G, which is set to go on sale in stores this week.
