iOS 16.4 Features:

With several brand-new features, security enhancements, and bug patches, Apple iOS 16.4 is now available. iOS 16.4 still has a lot of features you’ll want to test right away, even though it might not be as exciting as the update to iOS 17, which is anticipated later this year.

Despite how intriguing they may be, we’re not talking about straightforward updates like the introduction of 31 new emoticons. You’ll probably want to try out as many of the exciting and practical features as possible right away. everything from merging duplicate photos in your iCloud shared collection to speech isolation on mobile calls. Here are 5 elements of OS 16.4 that you can test out right away.

Isolating Voice on Cellular Phones

Voice isolation first debuted on the iPhone in 2021 with the release of iOS 15, but it was limited to FaceTime only. With the release of iOS 16.4, the stock phone app for the iPhone gains support for the function and offers speech isolation on conventional cellular calls. The idea is to make the other individual on the line hear you much more clearly by cutting down on background noise.

To turn on the function, which is not turned on by default, navigate to the settings. Make a conversation first, and then swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone’s screen to access the Control Center menu. To activate voice isolation for this and all subsequent cell phone calls, select Mic Mode > Voice Isolation.

Introducing the New Home App Architecture

The updated Home app architecture has been reinstated with iOS 16.4 despite having previously launched in December and being withdrawn for being too buggy. This update’s goal is to enhance communication between Apple products and smart household appliances. As a result, your link ought to be faster and more dependable than it was before.

The best part is that when you update the Home app to iOS 16.4, your smart home system will be upgraded immediately to the new architecture.

Apple Pay Later (BNPL)

While we don’t advocate paying more than necessary, there are instances in which breaking up your buy into installments can be advantageous. All payments made through Apple Pay itself can be divided into four equal installments for eligible transactions when using Apple Pay Later. Simply make a buy and select the “Pay later” option if it is presented.

A down payment is made at the time of acquisition, and then there are subsequent payments made every two weeks. Although Apple Pay Later hasn’t reached everyone yet, it is compatible with both in-person and internet transactions. Keep an eye out when you purchase because Bloomberg claimed that “randomly selected” users currently have the option to trial the service.

Related Content: HomePod – Apple’s second generation smart speaker unveiled

An Independent 5G Network

For communication, 5G services typically combine 5G and 4G spectrum, whereas 5G Standalone (5G SA) does not. As the name implies, it is a form of 5G connectivity that does not rely on 4G LTE data transfer and instead utilizes a 5G core network.

The only provider that offers 3Gbps speeds and currently supports 5G SA is T-Mobile. On T-Mobile iPhones, the feature should be turned on by default. However, if it isn’t, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data, scroll down, and make sure the 5G Standalone toggle is turned on.

iCloud Shared Library Duplicates

Duplicate pictures in your iPhone’s Photos library were first flagged with the release of iOS 16 last year. iOS 16.4 goes a step further by searching your iCloud Shared Photo Library for identical pictures. This will make it much simpler to find and remove any unnecessary photos, freeing up your iCloud storage for more crucial items.

Images with the same visual appearance but distinct metadata are identified as duplicates. Therefore, before permanently deleting anything, it’s worth looking to see if there are any differences in file type or resolution. Whatever the situation, it’s simple to navigate to Photos App > Albums > Utilities > Duplicates. Then select Merge after finding the copies you want to get rid of.

Image Credit: MacRumors