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A rundown of the best new iPhone features Apple introduced with the new iOS 13.4 beta

Published Feb 19th, 2020 8:30PM EST
iOS 13.4 Features
Image: Apple

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Apple earlier today rolled out the second developer beta of iOS 13.4, an update which includes a number of intriguing new features. While iOS updates this far removed from September have historically consisted of bug fixes and security enhancements, Apple with iOS 13 is taking a more measured approach. In other words, rather than just roll out a big feature-dump with the first iteration of iOS 13 and then pick up the pieces later, Apple this year is holding off on some features until they’re a bit more polished.

In light of that, one of the new features iOS 13.4 brings to the table includes a new CarKey API designed to allow Apple Watch and iPhone owners to unlock, lock, and start connected vehicles straight from their devices. CarKey can also grant one-time vehicle access to users via iMessage, a helpful and intriguing feature.

One notable change in the second iOS 13.4 beat is yet another revamp of the toolbar in the iOS Mail app. In the latest beta, the flag icon has been removed entirely and adds a compose button on the right-hand side.

Other features include support for bundled iOS and Mac apps, new Memojis, more keyboard shortcuts for the iPad, enhanced CarPlay functionality, iCloud Folder Sharing, and a handful of new options for the TV app for both the iPhone and iPad.

Per usual, Apple will make iOS 13.4 compatible with a number of previous devices. Specifically, any iPhone going all the way back to the iPhone 6s and iPhone SE can run iOS 13.4.

With respect to the iPad, the following models support iOS 13.4:

  • 12.9-inch iPad Pro 3rd generation
  • 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2nd generation
  • 12.9-inch iPad Pro 1st generation
  • 10.5-inch iPad Pro
  • 9.7-inch iPad Pro
  • iPad Air 3rd generation
  • iPad Air 2
  • iPad 6th generation
  • iPad 5th generation
  • iPad mini 5th generation
  • iPad mini 4
  • iPod touch 7th generation
Yoni Heisler Contributing Writer

Yoni Heisler has been writing about Apple and the tech industry at large with over 15 years of experience. A life long expert Mac user and Apple expert, his writing has appeared in Edible Apple, Network World, MacLife, Macworld UK, and TUAW.

When not analyzing the latest happenings with Apple, Yoni enjoys catching Improv shows in Chicago, playing soccer, and cultivating new TV show addictions.