Apple on Monday officially released iOS 12.4 to the public, following weeks of public beta testing.
The newest version of iOS is a minor update in the grand scheme of things. Throughout the beta testing procedure there were no major features added to the mix. However, it was heavily speculated that iOS 12.4 would herald the launch of the Apple Card, Apple’s first credit card, but the release notes for iOS 12.4 don’t necessarily suggest the software update is a requirement for the credit card’s impeding summer arrival.
iOS 12.4 is a free update. It’s available to download and install now. To update, owners of supported devices simply need to open the Settings app, navigate to General –> Software Update and follow the onscreen instructions. If you have automatic updates turned on, then your phone will automatically download and install the new software the next time you’re charging it.
As far as what’s new, Apple is making some additions. That includes a new migration ability from older iPhones to newer models, which will make the transition process even easier. It “improves the security” of your iOS device as well, while also adding in enhancements to the Apple News+ experience.
It is possible that iOS 12.4 does set the framework for the public launch of the Apple Card later this year, but that still remains to be seen. As it stands right now, iOS 12.4 looks to be a pretty minor update.
In addition to iOS 12.4, Apple also released software 12.4 for the HomePod as well. The primary new addition here is support for the smart speaker’s impending launch in Japan and Taiwan.
If any discoveries related to the Apple Card are made following the iOS 12.4 launch, we will update this post accordingly.