14 DAY TRIAL // Apple continues the work on the next big update for iOS, and today, the company has released another beta build with lots of improvements for both developers and public beta testers.
The new build allows users to install iOS 15.4 beta 5, and as said, it comes with some pretty big changes overall.
One of the highlights is the addition of support for unlocking the iPhone even when wearing a mask. While some people might think this feature arrive a little bit too late, it’s still a welcome improvement, especially as it makes using an iPhone while wearing a mask more convenient for those who don’t have an Apple Watch.
Previously, Apple shipped an update (already available for production devices) that allows Apple Watch owners to use their devices as a security tool to unlock an iPhone without the need for scanning their faces.
iOS 15.4 launching later this month
At this point, it’s still not known when Apple plans to ship iOS 15.4 to production devices, but there’s a chance the company would push the go-ahead button at some point in mid-March.
The timing makes perfect sense.
The Cupertino-based iPhone maker is believed to be planning the launch of a new iPhone SE model. Most likely seeing the daylight in the first half of the month, the new iPhone SE should start shipping shortly after the unveiling, so in theory, it should come with iOS 15.4 pre-loaded.
In other words, Apple must finalize the work on this new operating system update as soon as possible, and therefore make sure the new iPhone SE has it on day one.
Worth knowing, however, is the new SE wouldn’t feature Face ID, as it’ll stick with Touch ID thanks to the famous form factor borrowed from the iPhone 8 (just like the current iPhone SE).