Subscribers to Yes 5G (YTL Communications) prepare to take a bite of the iPhone as Yes 5G is gearing up to offer the popular smartphone! The carrier will be offering the complete iPhone 15 lineup consisting of the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
The full pricing and plan details will be unveiled by Yes 5G on November 2, 2023. Customers eager to get their hands on these cutting-edge devices can make their purchases starting from November 3, 2023.
Yes 5G is gearing up to offer competitive monthly instalment plans, along with their Yes Infinite+ packages. These packages provide unlimited, uncapped 5G data, swift internet speeds, and unrestricted calls, all without any fair usage policy.
To stay ahead of the game and be the first to receive updates on pricing and plan specifics, you can register your interest on Yes 5G’s official website.
Stay tuned for more exciting developments as Yes 5G prepares to introduce the iPhone 15 lineup, promising a new level of innovation and performance.
Blackmagic Design, the company behind the popular video editing software DaVinci Resolve, has just announced a new app: the “Blackmagic Camera” app for iPhones. What’s even more exciting? It’s absolutely free.
This app transforms your iPhone into a powerhouse for shooting professional-grade videos, giving you the feeling of working with top-tier camera equipment. The app brings powerful manual controls we’re used to seeing on high-end cameras to your fingertips.
So, what does this app bring to the table?
Blackmagic Camera empowers you with a plethora of manual controls, including shutter speed, ISO, white balance, and tint. You can even effortlessly switch between different lenses, frame rates, stabilization levels, and focus settings. The interface also houses essential features like recording parameters, histograms, focus peaking, levels, and more, making it a one-stop shop for videographers.
On top of that, the app brings the ability to record horizontal 16:9 video while holding your iPhone vertically. This discreet shooting option opens up new creative possibilities. Moreover, the app allows you to add metadata to simplify post-production tasks. If you’re an iPhone 15 Pro user, you’ll appreciate the compatibility with the new Log colour profile, ensuring top-notch video quality.
The app seamlessly integrates with DaVinci Resolve and Blackmagic Cloud. This means you can effortlessly sync your videos with these professional editing tools. However, you also have the flexibility to save your videos to the Photos app, share them with other apps, or store them on an external SSD.
Pricing & Availability
The Blackmagic Camera app is readily available for download on the App Store, and it won’t cost you a dime.
To unlock its full potential, all you need is an iPhone XR or a newer model running iOS 16 or later. It’s important to note that certain features, such as the Log colour profile, are exclusive to specific iPhone models due to hardware limitations.
In the wake of Apple’s grand unveiling of the iPhone 15 family, a familiar but bittersweet ritual has taken place – the discontinuation of older iPhone models to make way for the new. While this is an expected part of the annual iPhone event, there was one unexpected twist: the demise of the beloved iPhone 13 mini, marking the end of an era for compact smartphones.
The iPhone 13 mini joins the ranks of discontinued models, alongside the iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, and the aging iPhone 12. However, the absence of a compact iPhone in Apple’s current lineup is a poignant shift. The 5.4-inch iPhone category, once represented by the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 mini, has now vanished.
The decision is a testament to market dynamics, as these compact models struggled to find widespread appeal compared to their larger counterparts. With the iPhone 13 mini’s departure, users favouring more petite smartphones will face a dwindling selection.
While Apple’s official sales channels may cease offering the iPhone 13 mini, it’s possible that some retailers may continue to carry limited stock. Additionally, online marketplaces like eBay might provide a lifeline for those determined to secure one of the last 5.4-inch iPhones.
This poses a poignant change in Apple’s mobile strategy. However, on the other side of the fence, we’ve seen Android phones like the ASUS Zenfone lineup do particularly well despite its compact size. Do you believe there is still a place for compact smartphones in today’s world dominated by larger screens? Share your thoughts on this farewell to the iPhone 13 mini and the compact phone era.
Believe it or not, Apple’s Lightning connection has been with us since the Apple iPhone 5 was introduced in 2012. The Lightning cable and port had not changed in shape and look until last year’s iPhone 14 series. While it was understandable for Apple to work with the Lightning standard in 2012, where Micro-USB was still the mainstream standard, USB Type-C has brought an evolution to mobile connectivity and has done more for laptops and smartphones than even USB 3.0 standard. To be fair, we only saw one smartphone sporting the USB 3.0 port, the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, to not very much success. In that sense, there are no good reasons for Apple to keep the Lightning connection with their top-of-the-line smartphone since Apple themselves have updated their iPad Pro and iPad Air series with USB Type-C ports. They must at least see some value on USB type-C in that case.
The European Union (EU) forced Apple’s hands last year before their launch of the iPhone 14 series. Apple had to start developing their iPhones with USB Type-C port instead of their traditional and rather iconic lightning port. That is the first big difference between the previous iPhone and the upcoming iPhone 15 series. That is not what they highlighted in their launch gambit though.
Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus
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There is not much of a surprise with Apple’s latest regular iPhone 15 series. Most of the features are trickled down from Apple’s iPhone 14 Pro devices of last year. The Apple Silicon A16 Bionic, for example, is the same chip you find on the previous iPhone 14 Pro. The “island bar” as well, is a feature introduced in the Apple iPhone 14 Pro, now accessible for the more accessible Apple iPhone 15.
In a lot of ways, we see this Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus as sort of the Apple iPhone 14 Pro series with USB type-C port. They share the same size as the previous iPhone 14 series as well at 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch respectively. They pack more pixels than before though since they are technically the iPhone 14 series devices at Super Retina XDR resolution. The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus now also gets the updated 48-Megapixel main camera alongside a 24-Megapixel 2x Telephoto lens. No third lens here, as expected from a regular iPhone.
Other than the USB type-C connection, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus sports slightly differing visuals from before in terms of colours too. There is the usual black option, as expected. There are now Blue, Green, Yellow, and even Pink to consider for the iPhone 15 series. Of course, there will be a RED edition later.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
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The pinnacle of the iPhone has to be their Pro series models. The new iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max takes everything the iPhone 14 Pro series had and turned them up to 11. This is the most advanced Apple iPhone ever. You might want to take a pinch of salt though when it comes to expecting big changes.
Apple A17 Pro – Advanced Does Not Begin to Describe it
The biggest change, other than the USB type-C port now found at the bottom of the device is its integrated chip. It is now called the Apple A17 Pro, no more ‘Bionic’ in their namesake. It is also the first 3nm chip that is commercially available on a smartphone device featuring 19 billion transistors in a single chip. There are two performance cores and four efficiency cores that power the iOS 17 device. They have also made the neural engine bigger at 16-cores just for on-device AI implementations that includes predictive texts, certain Siri functions, and more. They have update the GPU as well with new hardware-accelerated Ray Tracing cores with MetalFX support for the best-in-class graphics processing available on a smartphone. They even announced that Assassin’s Creed Mirage, a game made for the current generation gaming consoles, will be available on the iPhone when they are available. PlayStation Studios are also adapting Resident Evil Village and Resident Evil 4 into the iPhone which will be available later in the year. On top of all of that, the A17 Pro features a new ProRes codec for ProRes file processing and editing, Pro Display Engine for even better display experience on either the 6.1-inch or 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display, and AV1 decoder. The A17 Pro even features a USB 3 controller that allows the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max to take full advantage of USB type-C.
Bigger, Better, More Lenses than You Need
While you cannot see the upgrade, Apple claims that the main camera features a larger sensor than before. It is still a 48-Megapixel sensor though underneath what they claim to be multiple lenses on the main camera. They claim that you can choose between 24mm, 28mm, and 35mm lenses for different feel and look for your photos. You can even set whichever focal lengths as your default length just so that it will get back to your preferred focal length when you launch the camera app. Instead of a 3x telephoto lens, the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max now offers a 5x 24-Megapixel telephoto camera at 120mm focal length, the longest focal length featured on an iPhone ever. They also improved their 12-Megapixel ultra-wide camera at 13mm to also allow users to capture macro photos. In terms of software, the new iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max cameras offer a new Smart HDR engine that allows for a more true-to-life photo to be captured with brighter highlights, rich midtones, and deep shadows. Thanks to LiDAR technology and the A17 Pro’s neural engine, low-light photos have never looked better on the iPhone.
It is not just photography that gets some needed boost though. You can now capture proper ProRes videos and connect the iPhone to an external recording device or medium via USB type-C. They also now allow you to capture videos with log encoding for even more flexibility in colour grading or correction. Most of all, you can now capture videos at 4K 60p for brilliant slow-motion videos in post editing. If you have an Apple Vision Pro or have ordered one, you will be delighted that the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max can capture something they call a Spatial video that you can use only specifically with Apple Vision Pro. We assume it is sort of an AR type 3D video that is captured by both the main camera and ultra-wide camera to be stitched into a single 3D video for that nifty augmented reality experience.
Titanium – Same As the Mars Rover
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One of the more interesting parts of the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max is the way it is built though. While featuring the same sort of look as the iPhone 14 Pro, it is made from a different material that also offers slightly different colour options and look. The iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max is now made of Titanium, a lightweight alloy with higher tensile strength than any metal material at its weight. That means that the new iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max are the lightest iPhone Pro models ever to grace our hands. While it is still an alloy product, the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max still comes with MagSafe and Wi2 wireless charging support. They now come in a choice of black titanium, white titanium, blue titanium, and natural titanium colour options.
Prices and Availability
Apple’s iPhone 15 series and iPhone 15 Pro series will be available for pre-orders from the 22nd of September 2023 onward and will ship out just a week after that on the 29th of September 2023 onward. The iPhone 15 will set you back from MRY 4,399 onward while the iPhone 15 Plus will set you back at least MYR 4,899. If you are opting for the more premium iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, they start at MYR 5,499 and MYR 6,499 respectively. For more information on the new Apple iPhone 15 series and iPhone 15 Pro series, you can head out to their website.
Apple has introduced an all-new “Apps by Apple” webpage, residing on its official website. This dedicated space serves as a platform to celebrate and showcase Apple’s proprietary apps, available across the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and Apple TV ecosystems.
In true Apple fashion, the company showcases its commitment to delivering a seamless user experience through these apps, accompanied by tantalizing glimpses of forthcoming features in iOS 17 and beyond.
So, what exactly does this ‘Apps by Apple’ page bring to the table?
A Guide to Apple’s App Universe
This newly minted digital domain, found at apple.com/apps, conveniently categorizes Apple’s apps into six distinct clusters:
Communication: Tagged as “Apps to keep you connected,” this category includes essentials like Phone, Messages, FaceTime, Mail, and Contacts. Apple’s aim here is clear – to facilitate effortless connections.
Creativity: “Tools for pros and passionate creatives” is the mantra here. This enclave caters to the artist in you, boasting apps like Photos, Camera, GarageBand, iMovie, and Final Cut Pro for iPad.
Productivity: In the “All you need to make your work of art” realm, Apple’s offerings include Notes, Reminders, Calendar, Freeform, and Pages. The focus? Enhancing your productivity and creativity.
Exploration: Embark on journeys of discovery with apps like Safari, Maps, Weather, Find My, and Wallet. These apps are designed to simplify your explorations of both the digital and physical worlds.
Entertainment and Home: “Brilliant ways to watch, read, listen, and relax” – this segment features Apple TV, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple Music Classical, and Podcasts, promising entertainment and relaxation at your fingertips.
Health and Fitness: Prioritizing “Wellness for your mind and body,” Apple offers apps such as Apple Health, Fitness, Workout, Sleep, and Cycle Tracking. Your well-being takes centre stage here.
Aside from these categories, the ‘Apps by Apple’ page provides insights into the features that underpin Apple’s ecosystem. These include Siri, iCloud, CarPlay, and Continuity, designed to seamlessly integrate various aspects of your digital life. Family Sharing, another highlighted feature, promotes harmonious device sharing among families.
A Response to Regulatory Changes
It’s worth noting that the unveiling of this page comes at a time when the European Union (EU) is considering regulations that may require Apple to allow third-party app stores and sideloading on iPhones within its member states. Sideloading entails installing apps from sources other than Apple’s App Store. Apple’s long-standing argument for restricting sideloading revolves around security concerns, as it enables stricter control over potential threats like malware.
With these regulatory shifts looming, Apple’s ‘Apps by Apple’ initiative can be seen as a strategic move to bolster its in-house app portfolio. By emphasizing the quality, seamlessness, and privacy features of its apps, Apple aims to ensure that users continue to choose its ecosystem, even in the face of alternative options.
Apple reassures users that “Every app by Apple comes with powerful privacy features to help protect your data and give you control over your information.” This commitment aligns with Apple’s broader stance on privacy and data protection.
While these changes may initially impact EU users, the global tech landscape may witness ripple effects as the industry navigates evolving regulations.
In conclusion, Apple’s ‘Apps by Apple’ webpage serves as a testament to the company’s dedication to delivering a user-friendly and secure app experience. As the tech world continues to evolve, Apple remains unwavering in its pursuit of innovation and excellence.
Apple fans, mark your calendars! Apple is expected to unveil the latest iPhone on 12 September in a livestream event broadcasted from Apple Park. While the official invitation included some cryptic clues, we’re here to decode the details for you.
The invitation sent to the media featured a mysterious image and a single intriguing word: “Wonderlust.” While it doesn’t explicitly state that the event will revolve around the iPhone, history suggests this is precisely what we can expect. As the theme alludes to a sense of wanderlust, it’s safe to say whatever they’ll be announcing that day will be something for travelling enthusiasts.
So far, leaks and insider reports have given us a glimpse into the upcoming iPhone. Anticipate significant changes, including the long-awaited shift from Lightning to USB-C, upgraded processors, the introduction of the Dynamic Island feature on non-Pro models, and a transition from stainless steel to titanium finish for the Pro models.
If you want to catch the announcements live, you can visit the apple.com website on 13 September at 1 AM (Malaysia time). In the meantime, we’ll hold on to our seats for these exciting updates. Watch this space for more news!
Apple has updated its latest iOS 16 to version iOS 16.5 rather recently. Even more recently, they have just released the 16.5.1 version of the iOS 16.5. Apparently, they have just updated the 16.5.1 again. While being only a 2.7MB update, it is a critical one.
Apple labels this as one of their Rapid Security Response updates for their software. Alongside the Apple iPhone, the iPad is also getting the Rapid Security Response for the iPadOS 16.5.1. As per the release notes, the iOS 16.5.1(a) update is available for iPhones with iOS 16.5.1. But it is not just the iPhone and iPad that is getting a security update. At the same time, Apple is releasing security updates for MacOS Ventura [13.4.1 (a)] and Safari (16.5.2).
The thing about Apple’s security updates is that they can be rather vague in their description. According to their release notes, the update addresses “web content processing that may lead to arbitrary code execution”. According to Apple as well, there has been reports on the issue being heavily exploited, hence the need for iOS 16.5.1 (a) update. The release notes says that the update will bring “improved checks” to address the issue, whatever that means.
Rapid Security Response updates are important updates, they tend to patch security issues that has been reported or found. That also means that it is recommended that users on the latest iOS to check for their updates if they have not been updated yet. It is a relatively small update too, which also means that you might not have too much trouble or too long of a downtime with your iPhone when you do update your device. Once updated, your iPhone will request that you restart your device. Once you do so, your device should display iOS 16.5.1 (a) instead of the regular iOS 16.5.1 when you check its software version.
At WWDC 2023, the one that just happened, we expected a new iOS, and we got a new iOS for the not so new iPhone, and it is a major one. The iOS 17 replaces the iOS 16 and it is technically better than the older iOS in some ways. No, you do not get a new iPhone to come along the new iOS. Yes, it is still the same iOS that you have come to know and love. The people from Cupertino have made a few minor improvements that might majorly change your user experience though.
New Phone App, Who Dis?
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One of the minor things they changed is the Phone app. It is a minor change but huge experience improvement, supposedly anyway. Instead of a boring plain screen with the usual ‘swipe to answer’ slider and a few other buttons, you can now customise what appears on the caller screen. You can choose a photo that not only appears in a small circle, but fill the entire screen with the photo, just so that you know is calling. You can even change the fonts that shows the name of the caller, just to add some flavour to your friend’s caller ID screen. If you want, you can even add emojis to it. They call it Contact Poster and it does not just work with the default phone app. Apple says that Contact Poster is also available for third-party apps, so you can expect your Telegram and WhatsApp calls.
If you are not available to listen to voicemails, the app also now does real-time transcriptions. That way you can just read your voicemail like it is a text from your friend. You can either choose to reply to your friend via messenger apps or the default messaging app. It even cleverly filters out identified spam calls even when they leave a message.
New Messages Too, Who Dat?
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iOS 17 also updated the iMessage app. While stickers have been a feature for the iMessage app for a while now, they have improved the experience with the 17th iteration of iOS. You can now create Live Stickers, allowing users to quickly create stickers out of their everyday subjects and environments in an instant. All that can be done through the iMessage app itself.
Apple has also overhauled the search engine for their messaging app. It is more precise, more powerful, and much more accurate this time. There is a new catch-up arrow tat allows users to know where their conversations trailed off or where they left their conversation. You can easily reply to different text lines too on the app by just swiping the desired bubble. Live Locations is also a new feature added to the app. Even audio messages can be turned into a text with the new app with Live Transcription. Rather than texting your loved one that you have arrived at your destination safely, the app allows you to quickly Check In to quickly send out notifications to your family members and friends with is a single click. Your emergency contact will also receive information on your location, battery level, and cell service status when you are not making any progress to your destination.
Autocorrect and dictation is now better than ever. Instead of just picking predicted words, you can form full sentences with Autocorrect now. Based on how you type, and the kind of words you like to use, the algorithm can easily complete your sentences as quick as you can hit the spacebar. There is a new speech recognition model too that is supposed to be more accurate for Dictation.
FaceTime, Now on Apple TV
Leaving voice messages is one thing, you could never have left a video message, not like what you do with FaceTime now. Instead of hanging up the video call, you can just directly leave a voice or video message right on the FaceTime app itself. You do not have to hang up and then record a video, or a voice mail and send it to them via your messenger anymore, which adds a layer of convenience to FaceTime that has never been seen before.
FaceTime now also allows users to express like never before. You can be more expressive with the addition of Reactions in FaceTime now. For iPhone users, it is not just FaceTime that gets the feature though, other video calling apps can also take advantage of the new features.
They also made FaceTime even more accessible than ever before. The Apple TV 4K now supports FaceTime with the new update. In fact, the new update will also install FaceTime to Apple tvOS by default. Users can now start video calls directly from their Apple TV hardware and use the cameras from their iPhones or iPads. You can even start the call from your iOS devices and pass the call on to the Apple TV. Center Stage also makes it to FaceTime for Apple TV.
AirDrop, NameDrop, Drop Whatever You Want to Each Other
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AirDrop is the one feature that Android users wish they had, and it is now better than ever. NameDrop now allows users to quickly share contact information by just putting their iPhones close to the other iPhone they want to share information with. You can even do that with Apple Watch devices. AirDrop now also works with SharePlay feature to share music quickly from one iPhone to the other. They also say that you can share a game session with another iPhone user all from using AirDrop bringing all kinds of possibilities for mobile multiplayer gaming.
Everything Else
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Since wireless charging and docking has been a thing now, your iPhone with iOS 17 can be more than just a smartphone you put on the wireless charging station. It can sort of become a quick info hub on the side of your bed, or your workstation with the new StandBy feature. There is also a new Journal app that helps users take notes and keep a log of their daily lives. You can even include photos and videos in the journals app to keep tabs on what you have been up to. They have improve Safari and its Private Browsing functions and protection. There is a new Health app that offers new mental health check and measuring features. Maps is also now available in offline mode, if you need to still find your way around without data. They even improved the Home app so that you can track your use data in the past 30 days. Of course, your Privacy is now more important than ever in iOS 17 with more parental control options and a new Sensitive Content Warning feature that also helps adults navigate the web safely.
Availability
iOS 17 is now available on Beta for developers on the developer link. You technically can sign up as a developer and try out the beta version for yourself. If not, they are releasing a public beta in a month’s time. They have not mentioned the availability of the full-fledged iOS 17 just yet. We are guessing it will be available about a month after the public beta is released. More information on iOS 17 can be found on their website.
Samsung has been at the forefront of Android smartphones for quite sometime now. Samsung has also led the charge in getting iPhone users over to the Android boat. The employed many tactics for this. They poked fun at Apple in their own ads, they offer incentives for Apple users choosing to opt into Android, they made data transfer from an iPhone to Galaxy smartphone much simpler and hassle free than before, and they encourage iPhone users to try the Galaxy devices as much as they can. In their latest effort, iPhone users get to use the Samsung Galaxy S23 for free, on their iPhone that is.
They cheekily call it the Galaxy app. Yes, it is an app that will run the Galaxy S23 interface on your iPhone. It is not available on the Apple App Store, so you have to download it via web. It is also not a proper app that overlays your iPhone with Android 13 based One UI 5.1 interface. It is a web app, a web page that lets you test run the Galaxy S23 on the web.
But it is not just some web app that lets you scroll through the home page, the app tray, and nothing else. It allows you to try the camera interface too, through your iPhone cameras and experience things like Nightography and Night Mode. You can even try apps like Photo Remaster on the web app, allowing you to edit whatever photos you take on the app. All this is to show how powerful a Samsung Galaxy S23 camera system is. You can even try gaming on the Galaxy S23 to see how smooth it can be, although you are not technically playing a game.
Of course, you can customise your Galaxy S23 experience all on the web app. You can change the wallpaper, background, themes, icons, and even more that is available on One UI 5.1. The app is also designed specifically for iPhone, so it will not do anything if you try going on your web browser on your PC to test it out. If you are on an Android device, there will also be an attached warning for the web app. In that case, if you are on an iPhone, you can test out the web app and try out the Samsung Galaxy S23 yourself via their web app.
It is that time again, that time to update your iPhone. No, not buy a new iPhone, just update its operating system (OS). The iOS 16.4 is here!
Apple’s release notes should be a good enough indication of what you technically can expect from your iPhone once you update it. In this update, you get some bug fixes as expected, but you also get plenty of new emojis you can use for iMessage. Of course, it is not just about those.
New Emojis
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That is the first thing they listed in their release notes for the new version of iOS. To be fair, they did release 21 new emojis for you to use. You get a new shaking head, pink heart, blue heart, grey heart, and a few new animals like a donkey or a moose now. There are also a few new objects you get like flute, maracas, a comb, and even a pea pod, for some reason. You get a few new hand gesture emojis too, like a ‘talk to the hand’ in left and right variations.
Push Notifications for Webs
Your websites now can send your iPhone a push notification if you add the webpage to your home screen. While it is something that just makes sense, the feature has never been a thing before for Apple’s iPhones. You can now opt in for notifications from your favourite websites. You can also easily opt out from notifications via the notification tab in Settings. Your notification can be received on the iPhone itself, viewed from the lock screen, or you can even get your web app to notify you on your Apple Watch. Since it is a new feature, not all websites might work with push notification.
The web push notification is also supported by Focus. You can choose which notifications appear at whatever appropriate time you set.
To be fair, the feature has been teased and mentioned when iOS 16 was launched. The feature was not included with the original iOS 16.0 release though. It is now, so you cannot say that Apple does not deliver on their promised features.
More for Podcasts
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iOS 16.4 has not just added a tonne of new emojis to the iPhone. It offers big update to Apple’s Podcasts app. Users can now see the channels that they are subscribed to on the top of their library. If users follow a show that is part of a channel, that channel will also appear in their library so that they can also explore other shows from the same channel.
They have also updated the ‘Up Next’ feature. Apple Podcasts helps queue new episodes from shows that users follow or channels that users subscribe to. The feature is not only for shows users follow though, it will also play other podcast shows or episodes they do not follow. Once the show is fully played, Apple Podcasts will remove it from your ‘Up Next’ list.
You have more overview of the podcasts that you have or have not played too. It is not a huge change in interface, but your followed, played, and unplayed podcasts now surface better. You can see more of your subscriptions and probably have a better overview to what you are paying for.
All of these functions mentioned will also go to CarPlay. Of course, you still have to access Apple Podcasts on CarPlay to access the new ‘Up Next and Browse’ interface. The Browse tab allows users discover even more shows they might like in the comfort of their car.
AppleCare Overview
You can also now see your AppleCare coverage right on your iPhone. You can go to Settings and find out what sort of warranty coverage that is available to you iPhone and even how long you have left before your iPhone goes out of coverage.
Emergency SOS via Satellite Expanded
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Emergency SOS is not necessarily a brand-new function to iPhone. It is not available everywhere in the world though. In the case that you live outside of the coverage area like North America, you are out of luck. The new iOS 16.4 expands its availability to six more countries though.
If you own an iPhone 14 with iOS 16.4 installed and you live in Austria, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, and Portugal, you now can use Emergency SOS. It connects to Globalstar satellites where available and allows users to send text messages to emergency dispatch even without a cellular signal. It is a subscription-based service though, oddly enough. Users get to use the function for free for two years after activating their iPhone 14. For existing iPhone 14 users in newly supported countries, their two-year deal starts as soon as they update to iOS 16.4.
They have also expanded the emergency calling feature. Users will automatically connect to 112 in their emergency in case there is no cellular signal. Of course, since it is a satellite technology, you want to ensure that you have a clear line of sight of the sky at least to function it.
PlayStation 5 DualSense Edge Controller Support
The subheading should be an explanation on its own. Sony’s DualSense Edge is Sony’s answer to the high-end aftermarket controllers in the market. Since it is new, it is not supported on the iOS, until now at least.
Even More Security Patches
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Every new update should come with security updates. On The new iOS 16.4 there are over 30 security and bug fixes. Apple found possible exploits to accessibility feature that could allow third-party apps access to user information and patched that. They have also fixed potential exploits that affects Apple Neural Engine, Calendar, Camera, CarPlay, Bluetooth, Find My iPhone, iCloud, Photos, Podcasts, and Safari browser. There was also a kernel exploit that allows codes to be executed on your iPhone without your knowledge.
Time to Install iOS 16.4
iOS 16.4 is now available for your latest iPhones. You might not care about the PlayStation DualSense Edge, or the new emojis. You do not want to ignore the security concerns that your iOS device can raise though. Most updates bring not only new features to your smartphone, they also bring new security patches that can help protect you in the long run. The iOS 16.4’s full release notes are as below.
This update includes the following enhancements and bug fixes:
21 new emoji including animals, hand gestures, and objects are now available in emoji keyboard
Notifications for web apps added to the Home Screen
Voice Isolation for cellular calls prioritizes your voice and blocks out ambient noise around you
Duplicates album in Photos expands support to detect duplicate photos and videos in an iCloud Shared Photo Library
VoiceOver support for maps in the Weather app
Accessibility setting to automatically dim video when flashes of light or strobe effects are detected
Fixes an issue where Ask to Buy requests from children may fail to appear on the parent’s device
Addresses issues where Matter-compatible thermostats could become unresponsive when paired to Apple Home
Crash Detection optimizations on iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models”
