Exploring 5 Must-Try Features of iOS 16.4 for iPhone Users iOS 16.4 has arrived, bringing with it a range of bug fixes, security upgrades, and new features. In this article, we'll highlight five of the best new additions that you can try out right away. 

Voice isolation on cellular calls 

One of the most frustrating aspects of phone calls is when background noise makes it difficult to hear the other person on the line. With the new voice isolation feature in iOS 16.4, this problem is solved. This feature, which was previously only available on FaceTime calls, now works on traditional cellular calls as well. When you enable voice isolation, the microphone on your iPhone will filter out background noise, making it easier for the person you're talking to hear you more clearly. 

This feature can be particularly useful in noisy environments, such as on a busy street or in a crowded café. It can also be a game-changer for people who work in loud environments, as it can make it easier to take work calls without being distracted by background noise. 

Voice isolation was previously only available on FaceTime, but with the release of iOS 16.4, you can now use it on traditional cellular calls. This feature aims to reduce background noise and improve call clarity. To enable voice isolation, call someone and then pull down the Control Center menu from the top-right corner of your iPhone screen. Tap Mic Mode > Voice Isolation, and it should be activated for all future calls. 

New Home app architecture 

If you're a smart home enthusiast, you know how frustrating it can be when your devices don't communicate well with each other. The new Home app architecture in iOS 16.4 addresses this issue by improving the communication between smart home devices and Apple products. 

This update should result in a faster and more reliable connection between your devices. You'll be able to control your smart home devices more quickly and easily, whether you're adjusting the thermostat, turning off the lights, or locking the front door. This update also paves the way for more advanced smart home features in the future, so it's definitely something to look out for if you're a smart home enthusiast. 

After initially being pulled due to bugs, the updated Home app architecture has returned with iOS 16.4. This update improves communication between smart home devices and Apple products, resulting in a faster and more reliable connection. 

Apple Pay Later 

Managing your finances can be tricky, and sometimes it's hard to afford big-ticket items all at once. Apple Pay Later makes it easier to manage your budget by allowing eligible purchases to be split into four interest-free instalments. 

This feature is available both in-store and online, and it's easy to use. When you're making a purchase, simply choose the "Pay later" option, and your purchase will be split into four equal payments. You'll pay the first instalment at the time of purchase, and then another instalment every two weeks until the purchase is paid off. 

This feature is a great option for people who may not have the funds for a larger purchase all at once, but who don't want to rack up credit card debt or pay high interest rates on a loan. It's also a good way to manage your budget if you have a big purchase coming up, but don't want to dip into your savings all at once. 

Apple Pay Later allows eligible purchases to be split into four interest-free instalments. This feature works both in-store and online and can be accessed by choosing the "Pay later" option when making a purchase. However, the service is still being rolled out, with "randomly selected" users currently able to trial it. 

5G Standalone 

5G is the latest generation of wireless technology, and it promises to be faster and more reliable than its predecessors. However, most 5G networks currently use a blend of 5G and 4G spectrum for their connectivity, which can sometimes result in slower speeds than you might expect. 

5G Standalone (5G SA) is a version of 5G connectivity that uses a 5G core network, with no dependency on 4G LTE data transfer. Currently, T-Mobile is the only carrier to support 5G SA, and it promises speeds up to 3Gbps. 

Enabling 5G Standalone on your iPhone is easy. Just go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data, and make sure the 5G Standalone toggle is switched on. Once enabled, you should experience faster speeds and a smoother internet connection, especially when it comes to bandwidth-intensive tasks like video streaming or gaming. 

5G Standalone (5G SA) is a version of 5G connectivity that uses a 5G core network without dependency on 4G LTE data transfer. Currently, T-Mobile is the only carrier to support 5G SA, promising speeds up to 3Gbps. The service should be enabled by default on T-Mobile iPhones, but if not, you can go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data and ensure the 5G Standalone toggle is switched on. 

Duplicates in iCloud Shared Library 

Duplicates can identify duplicate images in your iPhone's Photos library, and iOS 16.4 takes it further by locating duplicate images in your iCloud Shared Photo Library. This feature helps you free up iCloud space by identifying and deleting unnecessary shots. To access this feature, go to Photos App > Albums > Utilities > Duplicates and select the duplicates you want to delete, then tap Merge. 

Here are a few additional features in iOS 16.4 that could enhance the user experience: 

1. App Tracking Transparency: In iOS 16.4, Apple introduced a new feature called App Tracking Transparency. This feature requires apps to get your permission before tracking your activity across other apps and websites. It gives users more control over their data and privacy, and helps to prevent companies from collecting data on you without your knowledge. 

2. Fitness+ Workouts: Apple's Fitness+ service, which launched in late 2020, provides users with access to a range of workouts, including cycling, yoga, and strength training. In iOS 16.4, Apple added new workouts to the service, including HIIT, Dance, and Tai Chi. Fitness+ is a great way to stay active and healthy, and the addition of new workout types makes it even more versatile. 

3. Unlock with Apple Watch: If you own an Apple Watch, you can now use it to unlock your iPhone while wearing a mask. This feature is particularly useful during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many people are wearing masks in public. With this feature, you don't need to take off your mask or enter your passcode to unlock your phone – simply hold your iPhone up to your face while wearing your Apple Watch. 

4. 5G Improvements: In addition to 5G Standalone, iOS 16.4 also includes a range of improvements to 5G connectivity. These improvements should result in faster and more reliable speeds, particularly in areas with weak 5G coverage. 

5. AirPlay 2 Enhancements: AirPlay 2 is a feature that allows you to stream audio and video from your iPhone to compatible devices, such as Apple TV or smart speakers. In iOS 16.4, Apple added new enhancements to AirPlay 2, including the ability to stream audio to multiple devices at once. This is a great feature for anyone who wants to play music or podcasts throughout their home. 

In conclusion, iOS 16.4 offers a range of new features that can enhance the user experience for iPhone owners. From voice isolation on cellular calls to Apple Pay Later, these updates provide more convenience, control, and security than ever before. Additionally, features like the New Home app architecture and 5G Standalone demonstrate Apple's commitment to improving connectivity and making technology more accessible to everyone.

Whether you're a smart home enthusiast, a fitness buff, or just someone who wants to make phone calls with fewer distractions, there's something for everyone in iOS 16.4. So why not take some time to explore these new features and see how they can improve your day-to-day experience with your iPhone?