Update your iPhone: New iOS update fixes annoying bugs

April 9, 2020

By Kim Komando

Updated 04/08/2020 – Apple released iOS 13.4.1 and iPadOS 13.4.1 to the public this week to take care of a few bugs. The updates fix an issue that prevented some users from participating in FaceTime calls, which is a huge problem right now as people practice social distancing. These updates also fix problems people were having connecting to BlueTooth and more. Instructions on how to download and install the updates can be found later in this article.

While many companies have closed their doors temporarily in the wake of the coronavirus, new software releases keep coming. iOS 13.4 and iPadOS 13.4 have finally launched, and they bring with them a load of interesting new features, including the long-awaited ability to use a mouse on an iPad.

If you’re unfamiliar with iOS 13, now’s a great time to update your device and play with the features iOS 12 didn’t have. Need a little help navigating the newer version? Tap or click here for iOS 13 tips and tricks.

The latest iOS and iPadOS versions offer a few new features you’ve got to try. Not sure how to update? We’re here to help. But first, let’s talk about what you can expect with the latest update.

The Best New Features of iOS 13.4

• iCloud folder sharing: Share iCloud Drive folders from the Files app.
  • Allow and restrict editing access, invite specific people and create shareable links.
• CarPlay support for third-party navigation services: If you aren’t an Apple Maps fan, update your iPhone, then plug your phone into your car and use whichever navigation service you’d like and it’ll appear on your dash display.
• New Memoji stickers: Digital avatars have been updated with nine new stickers across iOS 13.4 and iPad OS 13.4. Tap or click here to set up your Memoji.
• Mail improvements: You now get always-visible controls to delete, move, reply or compose messages in conversation view.
  • Responses to encrypted emails are also automatically encrypted when you have configured S/MIME. Tap or click here to configure S/MIME.
• Bug fixes and other improvements: These include the addition of a status bar indicator to display when a VPN has disconnected on iPhone models with all-screen displays.
  • Camera fixes where the viewfinder may appear as a black screen after launch
  • Resolves an issue where Reminders may not issue new notifications for an overdue recurring reminder until it is marked complete.
  • Visit the Apple support page for more bug fixes and improvements.

Sharing files virtually across the Apple ecosystem has never been easier, which is much appreciated in the time of social distancing. Since social contact is largely happening online, this update came at the perfect time.

Now that we’ve got more features for our iPhones, let’s take a look at what the iPad update has to offer.

iPadOS 13.4

Your iPad has just moved a few steps closer to serving as a full-on laptop. Here are some new features you can enjoy:

• Mouse and Trackpad support: Cursor design highlights app icons on the Home Screen, Dock, buttons and controls in apps.
  • Magic Keyboard for iPad support on iPad Pro 12.9-inch (third generation or later) and iPad Pro 11-inch (first generation or later).
  • Magic Mouse, Magic Mouse 2, Magic Trackpad, Magic Trackpad 2 and third-party Bluetooth and USB mouse support.
  • Multi-Touch gestures on Magic Keyboard for iPad and Magic Trackpad 2 enable you to scroll, swipe between app spaces, go Home, access App Switcher, zoom in or out, tap to click, secondary click (right-click) and swipe between pages.
  • Multi-Touch gestures on Magic Mouse 2 enable you to scroll, secondary click (right-click) and swipe between pages.
• Files: iCloud Drive folder sharing from the Files app.
  • Controls to limit access only to people you explicitly invite or grant access to anyone with the folder link.
  • Permissions to choose who can make changes and upload files and who can only view and download files.
• Memoji: Nine new Memoji stickers.
• Mail: Always-visible controls to delete, move, reply to or compose a message in conversation view.
  • Responses to encrypted emails are automatically encrypted when you have configured S/MIME.
• App Store with Apple Arcade: Universal Purchase support enables the use of a singular purchase of a participating app across iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, Mac and Apple TV.
  • Recently played Arcade games appear in the Arcade tab so you can continue playing on iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, Mac and Apple TV.
  • List view for See All Games.
• Augmented Reality: AR Quick Look supports audio playback in USDZ files.
• Keyboard: On-screen keyboard layout for iPad Pro 12.9-inch now matches Smart Keyboard.
  • Visit the Apple support page for more keyboard options that include Live Conversation for Japanese and predictive typing support for Arabic.
• Bug Fixes and improvements: Visit the Apple support page to learn about these fixes and improvements.

Apple’s iPhones and iPads have supported Bluetooth keyboards for quite some time, but now, with iPadOS 13.4, all updated iPads can also support mice. Simply connect a mouse via USB, which may need an adapter or Bluetooth connection, and you will now be able to navigate your iPad with a cursor.

But why use a mouse with your iPad? You can enjoy more fine-grain control over your applications. This is also helpful for those who want a more computer or laptop feel for their device.

Excited by the idea of mouse support but don’t have an iPad? Tap or click here for our iPad buying guide. Not sure how to connect a mouse to your iPad? Here’s how to connect via Bluetooth:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Bluetooth and make sure Bluetooth is toggled on.
3. Put your mouse into pairing mode. This is often a physical button on your mouse.
4. You should see your mouse pop up under Other Devices.
5. Tap the name of your mouse.
6. When you get a pairing request, simply tap Pair.

Your mouse should immediately work and you can now navigate your iPad with a cursor. To unpair your mouse, return to your list of Bluetooth devices, tap the information icon next to its name, then tap Forget Device.

How to Download iOS 13.4.1 and iPadOS 13.4.1

Upgrading your devices is a simple process and can be done easily from the Settings app.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap on General.
3. Tap on Software Update.
4. Tap on Download and Install.

Be sure your device is connected to power, has a decent Wi-Fi connection and that your device has enough free space to download the update. Once downloaded, the software will be ready with the new features.

Since we’re all spending so much time at home right now, take your time exploring and learning how to use these new features. Remember, stay home and stay safe.