Unlock iOS 16.4’s New Features: Web Push Notifications, Emojis, & More

After a three-week period of anticipation, Apple today unveiled iOS 16.4, iPadOS 16.4, macOS Ventura 13.3, watchOS 9.4, and tvOS 16.4 updates. These new software offerings include fresh emoji characters for more creative expression. Furthermore, they also boast web push notifications on your favorite iOS devices.

Safari Web Push Notifications on iPhone & iPad

With iOS 16.4/iPadOS 16.4, websites added to the Home Screen as a web app can now send Web Push notifications just like on Mac computers.

During the WWDC event, Apple unveiled a new feature set to be available with iOS 16. That is “Web app subscription” via push notifications. Users will now have the option of adding web apps to their home screen. They will also be able to grant authorization for push notification subscriptions by clicking on a “subscribe” button. This can also be done by any other similar direct interaction mechanism. 

Make sure to add them to the Home Screen. Developers must also provide support for this feature in order for it to function correctly on iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4. 

Brand-New Emoji Characters

iOS 16.4 and its accompanying updates bring 15 fresh emoji characters to light. They were first approved in September 2022. This new update comes with a selection ranging from shaking head and pink heart emojis, to moose and black bird illustrations. It also has left-facing hands or right-facing hands designs. Flutes, maracas, combs, and jellyfish, are all included in this impressive array.

Focus Support for Web Push Notifications

Incorporating notifications for ‌Home Screen‌ web apps into Focus can provide users with Daily Summaries. It will also help them configure which notifications they receive, as well as how and where.

Users who add the same web app to their Home Screen on multiple iPhones or iPads will observe Focus mode automatically activated across all devices.

Badges for Home Screen Web Apps

Home Screen web apps can use badges to inform users of alerts and notifications, much like traditional apps do. Once they provide permission for app notification, an exact badge count will be displayed on the screen. 

Beta Opt-In Changes

iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 betas are available for all enrolled Apple developers. It gives them access to the Software Update section located in the Settings app from where these beta versions can be activated.