Apple has just released the iOS 13.4 beta, and developers testing out the new software version have been shouting about their favourite new features.
It might be a while before the stable version starts rolling out, but there are definitely some new bits and pieces worth flagging.
Car connections
At the moment a lot of noise is being made about the new ‘CarKey’ API, which was first spotted by 9to5Mac. If deployed in a future build, you could use this new feature to unlock your car with your Apple Watch or iPhone.
You’ll have to drive an NFC-compatible vehicle and pair the devices through the Wallet app, but once set-up you’ll be able to open your car by simply holding the device near your set of wheels.
Continuing with the vehicle-theme, there’s also a ‘CarPlay’ feature that could add more navigation and car control options – but so far, it’s not clear exactly how these would work.
Related: Best iPhones
New Memoji
Probably less exciting than being able to unlock your car with your phone is the new Memoji offering.
Twitter user Rene Ritchie has said there’s a grand total of nine new Memoji – as shown below.
Good stuff in today’s Apple betas:
Mac & iOS:
– iCloud Folder sharing!
Mac:
– Screen Time communications limits
– Head pointer (accessibility)iOS:
– CarPlay 3rd party nav, new call controls (need to wait on app updates)
– 9 new Memoji sticker types pic.twitter.com/lRWQgBaPZE— Rene Ritchie (@reneritchie) February 5, 2020
iCloud folder sharing
Folder sharing is available in the beta release, meaning that users on both Mac and iOS systems can easily share projects stored on iCloud.
It’s a handy little update if you’re trying to collaborate on a new venture or if you want to send all of your holiday pics to your ma.
An improved mail toolbar
Apple completely mucked up the Mail toolbar when it introduced a new version of it in iOS 13. The company removed a bunch of buttons and then switched the positions of the reply and delete icons. Understandably, people were not happy with this decision.
Apple has now seen the error of its ways – it’s reinstating the full set of buttons and returning the delete button to its rightful position.
Unified purchases
Thanks to the new beta, developers can now bundle up purchases across all platforms into one app. So when you buy a new app for your iPad, the equivalent Mac version should unlock too.
It’s the same for in-app purchases, so the £££s you spend on Love Island: The Game will be transferred across all your devices.
Related: Best iPad
New shortcuts
There are new shortcuts in the Photos app for iPad users – you can now switch quickly between tabs and search more easily. There’s also the option of introducing a new ‘Shazam’ shortcut, which you can find through the Shortcuts app.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
