iOS 16.4.1: Enhanced Siri and Emoji, security patches, and bug fixes

Towards the end of last month, Apple released iOS 16.4 which included several new features and improvements. Recently, the company has issued a minor update to all supported iPhone models which includes bug fixes and performance improvements.

Although this release does not include any significant changes or additions, Apple has addressed essential security patches and resolved minor bugs that were present in the previous versions of the operating system. These updates are necessary to ensure your device runs smoothly and securely.

iOS 16.4.1 includes a fix for the 'pushing hands' emoji, which now displays accurate skin tone options, as noted in the update by Apple. Additionally, the update addresses a problem where Siri was unresponsive in certain instances, improving the overall user experience.

If you're a frequent user of Siri, you'll notice a marked improvement in responsiveness with this latest update. Moreover, Apple has fixed two security vulnerabilities in the OS, bolstering the device's security and ensuring a safer experience.

While this update may not introduce any thrilling new features, it is an essential update to maintain the optimal performance of the device. In comparison, iOS 16.4 had some exciting additions, including new emojis, notifications for web apps on the Home Screen, and Crash Detection optimizations. For a complete list of updates, please refer to the list below.

iOS 16.4.1 is now available, and it includes a number of new features and bug fixes. Here are some of the highlights

One of the most notable fixes in iOS 16.4.1 is a security patch for a vulnerability that could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on a device. This vulnerability was actively being exploited by hackers, so it is important to update your device as soon as possible to protect yourself from this threat.

Other fixes in iOS 16.4.1 include a fix for an issue that could cause Siri to not respond to requests, a fix for an issue that could cause the iPhone to crash when using the Camera app, and a fix for an issue that could cause the iPhone to drain its battery more quickly than usual.

Overall, iOS 16.4.1 is a minor update that addresses some important issues and enhances the overall user experience. If you are using an iPhone that is compatible with iOS 16.4.1, I recommend updating your device as soon as possible.

• 21 new emoji are now available, including animals, hand gestures, and objects. These new emojis can be used to express yourself more clearly in your messages and chats.
• Notifications for web apps are now added to the Home Screen. This makes it easier to keep track of notifications from your favorite web apps.
• Voice Isolation for cellular calls prioritizes your voice and blocks out ambient noise around you. This makes it easier to be heard on calls, even in noisy environments.
• Duplicates Album in Photos expands support to detect duplicate photos and videos in an iCloud Shared Photo Library. This helps you to keep your library organized and free of clutter.
• VoiceOver support for maps in the Weather app. This makes it easier for people with disabilities to use the Weather app.
• Accessibility setting to automatically dim video when flashes of light or strobe effects are detected. This can help to reduce eye strain and make it easier to watch videos in low-light conditions.
• Fixes an issue where Ask to Buy requests from children may fail to appear on the parent's device. This ensures that parents are always notified when their children request to make a purchase.
• Addresses issues where Matter-compatible thermostats could become unresponsive when paired to Apple Home. This fixes a bug that could cause problems with Matter-compatible thermostats.
• Crash Detection optimizations on iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models. These optimizations improve the reliability of Crash Detection on these devices.

To download the latest update, go to the Settings menu on your iPhone and select the General section, followed by the Software Update tab.

If you have Automatic updates enabled, the update should appear automatically. If not, you can search for updates to prompt the download.

At just 299.2 MB, the update is relatively small and can be downloaded on the go if needed. However, if you have limited data, it is recommended to download the update while connected to Wi-Fi to avoid using up your data allowance.