Apple has started rolling out its first iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 betas to developers. The new releases bring several big changes, including push notifications to web apps, an updated Apple Podcasts app, new Apple HomeKit architecture, and more.
Web apps now support push notifications, which can be configured as soon as you add a page to your home screen via the Web Push API. Until now, you’ve only been able to add web apps through the native Safari browser, but starting with iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4, you’ll be able to add web apps from third-party browsers, complete with notification support.
Apple’s Podcasts app gets a new Channels tab in the library for all your subscriptions. The CarPlay app brings a new browse section to help you resume podcasts on the go. Apple Podcasts also gets an Up Next queue, which shows unfinished episodes.
HomeKit in iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 gets a new system architecture that makes HomeKit accessories more reliable and improves their communication with Apple devices. The Home app now supports both automatic and manual software updates for Matter accessories.
Apple also adds to the total 31 new emojis in iOS 16.4/iPadOS 16.4. Another neat addition is the ability to turn on developer beta directly from the software update menu without installing a developer profile from the Developer Center.
