iOS 15.4 and macOS 12.3 are here with universal controls and more

Apple today released public versions of all of its operating systems, including iOS/iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. These releases include new features for all platforms, not just bug fixes or security updates.

As usual, the iOS and iPad update (iOS and iPadOS 15.4) is the biggest in terms of the number and breadth of changes. The two biggest new features are arguably Universal Control support for the iPad and the ability to use Face ID while wearing a face shield.

As previously reported, iOS 15.4 allows the iPhone to accept contactless payments via NFC without the need for additional hardware, enhancing the phone’s usefulness as a point-of-sale device. There are also many new emojis and there is now support for the EU COVID digital certificate format when storing vaccination information in the wallet.

On the Mac side, macOS Monterey 12.3 also adds support for Universal Control and new emoji. In addition, support for Dynamic Spatial Sound with Head Tracking has been added to the Music app on M1 Macs when paired with supported AirPods.

Other notable changes in iOS, iPadOS, and macOS include the addition of a new American English Siri voice option, support for Italian and Traditional Chinese in Safari’s built-in web page translator, and a host of other tweaks and bug fixes.

For watchOS and tvOS, there are fewer updates, but there are still some new features.

watchOS 8.5 also adds support for the EU COVID Digital Certificate. Apple Watch can now be used to authorize purchases on Apple TV, there are new audio cues in Fitness+ workouts, and the update includes “irregular heart rate notification updates designed to improve atrial fibrillation identification.”

And then there’s tvOS. The Apple TV software now supports private Wi-Fi networks, which means you can use an iOS or iPadOS device to help the set-top box connect to hotel Wi-Fi and other networks that require you to go through a specific conversation. This feature is also now available on HomePod speakers with the latest software.

tvOS 15.4 includes an update to the Spatial Audio configuration interface, new volume controls, and a new feature for smoother transitions from one video to another.

All of these updates are available on supported devices today. Below are Apple’s full release notes for iOS, macOS, and watchOS updates.