Apple seeds first iOS 14.4, iPadOS 14.4, watchOS 7.3, and tvOS 14.4 betas to developers [Updated: public betas now available]

Apple launched iOS 14.3 and iPadOS 14.3 in mid-December, but that doesn’t mean the update train is slowing down.

Update (12/17/2020): Apple has seeded the corresponding public betas of iOS 14.4 and iPadOS 14.4 to public beta testers. If you are already registered as a public beta tester and want to try out the new prerelease software, you can simply open Settings –> General –> Software Update and download/install the new beta. If you are not already part of the program but want to sign up, you can do so here.

The original article continues below.

On Wednesday, Apple seeded the first betas of both iOS 14.4 and iPadOS 14.4 to developers. As is par for the course with these beta seeds, this is prerelease software meant specifically for developers. It’s not meant for a daily driver, as the software will still be rough around the edges, and usage may be finicky, to say the least. Apple will likely seed a corresponding public beta for public beta testers at a later date.

For registered developers, the latest iOS and iPadOS betas can be downloaded and installed from the dedicated Apple Developer Center. Once the proper profile has been installed on the registered devices, the new software can also be installed over-the-air (OTA).

At the time of publication, it remains unknown what Apple is adding to the mobile operating systems. It’s possible Apple will add new features to the software, and, if that is indeed the case, we will update this post accordingly and let you know what’s new. However, this may simply be a minor update and not add any forward facing features to the mix.

Apple also seeded the first betas of tvOS 14.4 and watchOS 7.3 to developers as well.

Apple launched iOS 14.3 and iPadOS 14.3 in mid-December, welcoming new features like Apple ProRAW, support for Apple Fitness+, and much more.

What’s new in iOS 14.4

It is indeed a minor update in the grand scheme of things, even if the version number hints at something more. Apple did add something new to the mix, though:

  • HomePod mini now supports the Handoff feature Apple showcased when it first debuted the smaller smart speaker. With this feature, iPhone owners with a U1 chip equipped can simply bring their iPhone close to the HomePod mini to transfer the media they are playing to the smart speaker. The content will automatically continue playing on the speaker.