iOS 14.4, iPadOS 14.4, HomePod firmware update, tvOS 14.4, watchOS 7.3 released

Apple has released iOS 14.4, iPadOS 14.4, a firmware update for the HomePod and HomePod mini, and tvOS 14.4.

According to release notes, iOS 14.4 includes the following improvements for your ‌iPhone‌:

– Smaller QR codes can be recognized by Camera

– Option to classify Bluetooth device type in Settings for correct identification of headphones for audio notifications

– Notifications for when the camera on your ‌iPhone‌ is unable to be verified as a new, genuine Apple camera in ‌iPhone 12‌, iPhone 12 mini, ‌iPhone 12 Pro‌ and iPhone 12 Pro Max

This release also fixes the following issues:

– Image artifacts could appear in HDR photos taken with ‌iPhone 12 Pro‌

– Fitness widget may not display updated Activity data

– Typing may be delayed and word suggestions may not appear in the keyboard

– The keyboard may not come up in the correct language in Messages

– Audio stories from the News app in CarPlay may not resume after being paused for spoken directions or Siri

• Enabling Switch Control in Accessibility may prevent phone calls from being answered from the Lock Screen

According to release notes, iPadOS 14.4 includes the following improvements for your iPad:

• Smaller QR codes can be recognized by Camera
• Option to classify Bluetooth device type in Settings for correct identification of headphones for audio notifications

This release also fixes the following issues:

• Typing may be delayed and word suggestions may not appear in the keyboard
• The keyboard may not come up in the correct language in Messages

You can obtain iOS 14.4 and iPadOS 14.4 by going to System Preferences > Software Update. 

According to the firmware update for the HomePod and HomePod mini:

Software version 14.4 includes bug fixes and the following new features with an Ultra Wideband (U1) equipped iPhone.

– Hand off music with visual, audible, and haptic effects from ‌iPhone‌ to ‌HomePod mini‌

– Get personalized listening suggestions on ‌iPhone‌ when it is next to ‌HomePod mini‌

• Media controls automatically appear without having to unlock ‌iPhone‌ when it is close to ‌HomePod mini‌

 Your HomePod and HomePod mini should automatically update. If not:

• Make sure that your iOS device is updated to the latest version of iOS.
• On your iOS device, open the Home app and tap  the house icon in the upper-left corner.
• Tap Software Update.
• Tap Install. This will install the update on all of your HomePod speakers you have set up in your home.

tvOS 14.4 focuses on stability and performance improvements. To obtain upgrade on your Apple TV set-top box, go to Settings > System > Software Updates > Update Software. Download and install the upgrade — which may take a few minutes. 

watchOS 7.3 bug fixes, performance tweaks, a new Unity watchface, expanded ECG support, and more supper for the new “Time to Walk” Fitness+ feature. It an be download by going to the Apple Watch app on your iPhone and selecting General > Software Update. To install the operating system update, the Apple Watch battery needs to be at least 50%, be placed on a charger, and within range of your ‌‌‌‌iPhone‌‌‌‌.