It’s common knowledge that Apple releases an iOS update regularly to improve the iPhone user experience. Apple recently released iOS 15.4.1. It’s a surprise on almost every level because many things have gotten fixed and enhanced with it.
Is it, therefore, time to upgrade? Let’s find out here.
The latest Apple iOS 15.4.1 is compatible with all iOS 15-enabled phones, ranging from the iPhone 6S to the most recent iPhone models. There is a minor update that follows iOS 15.4 that is relevant. It fixes battery depletion and security issues that Apple claims were “actively exploited” on some devices. The update also addresses problems where MFI hearing devices lose connectivity with third-party apps and braille devices stop working.
Is it necessary for me to upgrade to iOS 15.4?
We would advise you to install it. If you’re still wearing a mask outside, mask unlocking is an excellent function. However, the updates have a few issues we shall discuss in greater detail below:
- The Problem With Battery Drain
Several users shared their thoughts and experiences with iOS 15.4.1 released on Twitter. They claimed that their iPhone’s battery drains faster after the update, though this does not appear to be the case for everyone – some argued that the update improved their battery life.
However, in the latest report on the new iOS, Apple responded that the battery draining issue is standard after an update. The operating system performs background operations, such as using current machine learning techniques to optimize your data and scan your photo library. As a result, the battery drains faster than usual.
- Siri recordings and SOS configurations
After installing the new iOS, they asked for permission to make Siri recordings again, which appears to result from a bug in the previous version of the program. They also encouraged customers to evaluate their Emergency SOS settings during beta testing, which caused another issue. There is yet to be a report on this in the final version.
Features of IOS 15.4.1
We agree that the new iOS 15.4.1 upgrade is better, but there are a few modern things to look forward to with the latest iOS release.
- Unlock Face ID wearing a mask
During the COVID-19 era, we remember how difficult it was to verify our iPhone’s Face ID. By adding support for Face ID while wearing a mask, Apple provided a very significant answer to this problem. Instead of depending on the entire face for verification, which made Face ID challenging to use when wearing a mask, new features authenticate using the areas around your eyes.
The option to “Add glasses” is among the features of unlocking your face ID. This means that the system can recognize your face while wearing your glasses. Face ID unlocking using a face mask is only available on iPhone 12 and subsequent models.
- Tap To Pay
Double-pressing the side button on a locked iPhone reveals items in your Apple wallet before allowing you to perform a transaction. Even if you need a Face ID or a password to complete the transaction, we can still see your wallet item without unlocking your phone.
They fixed this potential privacy problem in iOS 15.4. To access your wallet in this upgraded iOS version, you’ll need to use a Face ID or a password. If you need to use Apple Pay without unlocking your phone, this latest version will show you a blank page.
- Emoji
We’ve all experienced how emojis can liven up our text messages and chats. They include over 37 new emojis in iOS 15.4, including a new peeking face, heart hand, tears of pleasure, and many more.
- Universal Control
Universal control is more of an iPadOS feature than an iOS feature. It’ll undoubtedly be one of the most important new features in this wave of updates.
The iPadOS 13.4 version was the first to enable universal control. It’s a follow-up to SideCar, which debuted in macOS Catalina and iPadOS 13. It allowed users to place an iPad next to a Mac and move the mouse or touchpad cursor from the MAC’s edge to the iPad.
In the subsequent versions of macOS Monterey and iPadOS 15, you should be able to share the mouse and keyboard between two MACs.
To discover the universal control setting in settings, go to the AirPlay and Handoff page. There’s a new keyboard and cursor option there. We go into the definition and operation of Universal Control.
- SOS (Security Alert System) Setup
The iOS 15.4.1 includes a prompt to review the emergency SOS. Users must input a phone number for an emergency contact, who will receive an alert of your location if you press and hold the volume and side buttons.
- Siri Recording
They recently disclosed that Apple reviewed some Siri requests with the help of third parties a few years ago. They did not adequately disclose the evaluation result to users, which led to controversy.
Users will now have to grant permission to make these recordings, and Apple has promised not to share sensitive data information with third parties.
The latest iOS 15.4 has revealed a flaw that permits these requests to be stored on iPhones, although the users have rejected them. From iOS 15 until iOS 1.1, the issue was prevalent. With iOS 15.2, Apple fixed the problem by preventing such data from being created on affected devices.
- Notes and KeyChain in the Cloud
Apple is still working on a keychain function for its latest operating system. IOS 15.4.1 introduces new functionality that allows you to add notes to keychain passwords. You can add notes and use the search box to look for note strings.
Conclusion
Not updating your iPhone leaves it vulnerable to attack. Apple doesn’t push automatic updates to iPhones right away. Therefore you’ll have to use the manual route to update IOS 15.4.1. You know what to do as soon as you have the chance. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and update iOS 15.4.1 to keep your iPhone safe.
