iOS and iPadOS 13.4 is now available
IOS and iPadOS 13.4 add big new features like trackpad and mouse support for iPads. Jason Cross reports
Apple still has plenty left in store for iOS 13 before moving on to iOS 14. iOS 13.4 and iPadOS 13.4 add significant new features. For iPad users, you’ll get new support for bluetooth keyboards and trackpads, making productivity tasks a lot easier. Developers can now publish apps and in-app purchases
as ‘universal purchases’ that work across Mac, iPad and iPhone. And iCloud folder sharing is finally here.
Mouse and trackpad support
In an unexpected surprise, Apple is adding mouse and trackpad support to all iPads starting with iOS 13.4. The feature was widely expected to be a part of iOS 14 in the autumn, but it’s already ready to go. The feature is marketed for the new iPad Pro and it’s Magic Keyboard (which will be available in May), but all existing iPads can pair with the Magic Mouse 2, Magic Trackpad 2 or third-party bluetooth keyboard and mice.
The hybrid cursor acts as a circular touch assist in some places, but changes situationally to a text-select cursor or pointer. There are iPad-specific gestures for working with things such as the dock, control centre and slide-over. It works system-wide with most apps right out of the gate, but there are new tools for developers to build in special mouse-and-trackpad specific features. Apple will release new versions of Pages, Numbers and Keynote along with iOS 13.4 with added pointer support.
iCloud folder sharing
Finally, one of the most anticipated features of iOS 13, first promoted at WWDC last summer, is about to be released. With the iOS 13.4, iPadOS 13.4, and macOS 10.15.4 release, users can finally share iCloud folders.
Combined iOS and Mac purchases
Another long-sought-after feature, Apple will finally make it possible for developers to sell iPad and iPhone
apps bundled together. The new Xcode 11.4 beta automatically enables ‘unified purchases’ for new Catalyst-based apps, but existing apps can enable the feature, too.
The change applies to more than just initial purchases, too. In-app purchases can be shared across Mac and iOS versions of an app, if the developer enables unified purchasing.
This change means that Apple is aligning Mac and iOS App Store categories.
New Memoji stickers
There are nine new types of Memoji stickers.
New Mail toolbar
The Mail app has a new toolbar, with four common functions: Send to Trash, Move Message, Flag and Reply. The Reply button opens a panel with a host of common functions like reply, reply all, forward and archive.
How to update your iPhone or iPad to 13.4
You’ll get a notification that iOS 13.4 or iPadOS 13.4 is available, but if you don’t want to wait, do the following:
• Open Settings
• Select General
• Select Software Update
You’ll see the iOS or iPadOS 13.4 update there, with a prompt to install it. If you don’t see it right away, give it a little time – it often takes a little while to become available everywhere in the world.