Apple releases iOS and iPadOS 16.4 beta 1 to developers; brings web push notifications support

Apple has released the iOS and iPadOS 16.4 beta 1 to developers registered in Apple’s developer program. The latest beta update comes with new features, including support for Unicode 15.0 emoji and web push notifications.

The iOS and iPadOS 16.4 beta 1 bring Unicode 15.0 emoji, which includes a shaking face, flute, Wi-Fi symbol, goose, pink heart, hyacinth, jellyfish, and more. If a user tries to send a Unicode 15.0 emoji to someone using an older version of iOS or iPadOS, they won’t be able to view them. The emojis will appear as boxes along with a question mark, implying the character is unsupported.

The new beta release also includes support for web push notifications. Websites saved to the Home Screen can push system notifications via the Push API, Notifications API, and Service Workers using the HTML5 Web Push API. Further, users can manage those permissions for the web app in the Notification Settings, similar to any other app on the device.

If a user already has an iOS 16 Developer Beta profile installed, they can update their compatible iOS devices to the latest iOS 16.4 beta 1 through the Settings app and tapping the Software Update. The iOS 16.4 beta 1 is in the development phase and may include bugs and other stability issues.