Apple launches the first betas of iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4

Apple has started seeding its first iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 betas to developers. The new releases bring several significant changes, including push notifications for web apps, an updated Apple Podcasts app, new Apple HomeKit architecture, and more.

Web apps will now support push notifications which are configurable as soon as you add a page to your home screen via the Web Push API. Until now, you could only add web apps through the native Safari browser, but starting with iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4, you will be able to add web apps from third-party browsers with notification support.

Web Application Notification Example

Apple’s Podcasts app is getting a new Channels tab in the library for all your subscriptions. The CarPlay app brings a new navigation section that helps you resume podcasts on the go. Apple Podcasts also gains an Up Next queue that displays unfinished episodes.

HomeKit in iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 gets a new system architecture that makes HomeKit accessories more reliable and improves their communication with Apple devices. The Home app now supports automatic and manual software updates for Matter accessories.

Apple also adds a total of 31 new emojis in iOS 16.4/iPadOS 16.4. Another nice addition is the ability to activate developer betas directly from the software update menu without installing a developer profile from the Developer Center.

Via