iPhone OS Upgrade is Here

The latest iOS 15.4 upgrade promises to bring some features and functions that some users have been waiting for and that Apple has been promising for a while. Of course, there are the usual security and bug fixes and repairs, but here are 4 enhancements that are worth noting.

1. AirTag Fix – There has been some public awareness around how these handy “find my stuff” tags can also be used for nefarious purposes as well. To help curb the ability to easily track an unsuspecting person by planting one of these small devices, the new upgrade includes some improved detection functions, so you can see if a tag not owned by you is close to you. And some messaging reminding users that the device is attached to their Apple ID and that tracking people without their consent is a crime.
2. Emojis – It’s still a preferred way to express how we feel in messaging, and Apple is helping us make it even easier. Over 30 new emojis will be included as part of this upgrade, including a pair of hands shaking in agreement, a hand against a face saluting with pride, a melting face for when you’re feeling a mess, and a disco ball. And they all come with diversity and inclusion of skin tone options to manage.
3. Siri Voice – Speaking of inclusion, a member of the LBGTQ+ community has recorded a new voice option for Siri. It does not have the distinction of being a male or female voice. In a company statement to Axios, “We’re excited to introduce a new Siri voice for English speakers, giving users more options to choose a voice that speaks to them.” This change appears to be for English only at this time.
4. Mask Recognition – Only a pandemic could have seen this one coming, but a much-needed enhancement. Your iPhone will now recognize your face with your mask still on. There is a special algorithm that focuses on features around your eyes to make sure authentication is correct. They are not sharing many other details for obvious reasons, but this change is worth the price of admission.