Wearing a mask with Face ID, new emojis: discover the iOS 15.4 update

We’ve been watching her for a while, and she’s finally here. The latest iOS 15.4 update is available for download (Apple). Attention, a small disappointment is to be expected…

Apple is full of novelties. After the release of its new iPhone SE, it’s the turn of an iOS 15.4 update to make the news. For a few days only, you can download it. It includes a lot of new stuff! Possibility of unlocking your phone with the mask (Face ID), new emojis, addition of the vaccine pass… We will review all the new features so as not to miss anything. Spoiler: the update is worth it. If you don’t know how to update your iPhone, click here to follow our tutorial.

Wearing a mask and Face ID

Very bad news: this feature is only available for the iPhone 12 and 13… It’s a shame and it’s a little disappointing to discover it on D-Day. For the lucky ones who have their smartphones, here’s what you need to know.

Two years after the appearance of the wearing of the mask, we finally have the possibility of unlock our iPhone with our mask through Face ID. No more having to type in your code, or risk taking off your mask. We might think that the update comes a little late, given that the mask is no longer mandatory in most places since March 14. It is still very practical. First, in transport or medical establishments, where the mask remains compulsory. Also, some people prefer to keep their masks, even if it is no longer mandatory. Finally, we are not immune to another wave, which could again make the mask compulsory.

New emoji

One of the big expectations of the iOS 15.4 update, was the appearance of new emojis. Some of them have been controversial, like the pregnant man emoji. The watchword is inclusiveness and diversity. There is now the possibility of combining skin colors (on the “handshakes” emoji for example). Also, many emojis have been updated, with new designs. In all, seven new emoji faces are available. Among them, the long-awaited “melting face” or the “dotted face”. You can visit the site emoji to find out a bit more.

Credits: emoji

The health/vaccination pass in “cards” and “health”.

Even if the vaccination pass is no longer mandatory in most places since March 14, Apple has still decided to implement a new feature. This is the possibility of putting your pass on the “cards” and “health” applications. It is an alternative to the “TousAntiCovid” application. It is very convenient for taking the train or the plane. “Maps” is a widget that you activate by pressing your button twice to lock your phone. The health application brings together all the information you want to provide, such as your weight, your eating habits, etc. Now the vaccination pass can be added.

Credits: Numerama

Universal control

This feature is crazy. It was announced last year, but is only showing up today. Universal Control lets you automatically share and connect your Apple devices so you can use your Mac’s mouse on your iPad. This is useful because there is no need to use cables to connect them together, and no configuration is required. It’s automatic. You will be able to drag and drop items between your Apple devices, move your mouse on all screens. It’s much simpler than having to switch devices every three seconds. Below, a small demonstration video, and you will see, it is very satisfying to watch.

The other novelties

With this new update, it has a significant number of new features, or improvements. We have presented the ones that seemed to us the most important. We will still list all the ones we have not covered. It is :