Apple has released iOS 12.4 – the fourth major update to the iOS 12 operating system.
The point-4 release comes two months after the release of iOS 12.3 and is likely to be the last major release before Apple releases iOS 13 this September.
Eligible devices are able to install the latest update over the air via the Settings app by heading to Settings, General, Software Update. The update is a free download.
When beta testing iOS 12.4, there were no major changes or new features, although according to Apple’s release notes, the update offers a new iPhone migration option to wirelessly transfer data from one iPhone to another, which will be useful when porting to a new iPhone, expected to be announced and released this September at a Special Event.
The update also introduces changes to Apple News+ and some security improvements.
iOS 12.4 release notes
iOS 12.4 introduces iPhone migration to directly transfer data from an old iPhone to a new iPhone, includes enhancements to Apple News+ and improves the security of your iPhone or iPad. This update:
iPhone migration
– Introduces the ability to wirelessly transfer data and migrate directly from an old iPhone to a new iPhone during setup
Apple News
– Makes downloaded issues accessible in the My Magazines section, both offline and online
– Adds all publications in Apple News+, including newspapers, to the catalog at the top of the News+ feed
– Adds the ability to clear downloaded magazine issues by selecting History > Clear > Clear All
Other improvements and fixes
– Includes a security fix for the Walkie-Talkie app on Apple Watch and re-enables Walkie-Talkie functionality
This release also includes support for HomePod in Japan and Taiwan.
Apple Card is coming soon
According to some reports, the update also offers support for Apple Card, Apple’s new credit card, though the release notes do not mention this.
The new service is expected to launch in the coming weeks and features a tap to activate mechanism such as when using Apple Pay.
Have you downloaded iOS 12.4 yet? Any new changes? Let us know at @AppleMagazine.