Foreign media reported that Apple started to push the developer preview Beta 2 of iOS 14.4 and iPadOS 14.4 this morning, the version number is 18D5043d. The public beta version has also been released, and the new Beta version was released one month after Apple released iOS 14.4 Beta 1.
iOS 14.4 and iPadOS 14.4 can be downloaded through the Apple Developer Center, or through OTA after installing the appropriate configuration file on the iPhone or iPad.
iOS 14.4 includes a new setting to specify the device type for third-party Bluetooth-connected audio devices so that the headset audio level measurement can be performed correctly. Apple will track the audio level measurement of the headset, and will sound an alarm if the volume level of music playback is likely to damage hearing health over time.
With the HomePod 14.4 beta version, which is only open to limited testers, iOS 14.4 adds new HomePod mini features, using the mini U1 chip.
Now, when songs are transferred from HomePod mini to iPhone 11 or iPhone 12 that supports U1, there will be visual, audio and tactile effects. When the iPhone approaches the HomePod mini, it will start a soft tactile rhythm. As the iPhone approaches, the rhythm will become faster and faster, until the interface for transferring songs between the HomePod mini and iPhone is opened.
This feature will make the handover between HomePod mini and iPhone 11 or iPhone 12 faster and more reliable. These devices are equipped with U1 chips, allowing devices to better understand each other's positional relationship.
In the "Exercise" section of the Apple Watch app on iPhone, there is a new "Walk Time" feature, which includes a switch to "Add the latest exercise to the watch". This indicates that Apple may plan to include guided walking exercises in the watchOS 7.3 beta. "Walking exercise time" is downloaded when the Apple Watch is connected to a power source and close to the iPhone. The completed exercise will be deleted automatically. This is a feature not available in the Beta 1 beta version of watchOS 7.3 and iOS 14.4, but it can be activated later.
Another significant change is in the Find My app. When you start Find My, a new splash screen will appear, explaining the new features of the app.
New features include support for third-party accessories, improved notifications for friends and family, and the Find My network, which can help you find lost items even if you are not connected to Wi-Fi. All this seems to pave the way for AirTags, which is expected to arrive in the near future.