Apple has made the latest versions of its operating systems available to users, and the biggest update is the ability to unlock iPhones while wearing a face mask and without an Apple Watch.
We take a look at this and some other notable features in the 15.4 updates of iOS and iPadOS.
Face ID unlock with a mask on
This feature was first reported in late January, when the Cupertino-based company rolled out the operating system’s first beta version, which a version used in final testing before a commercial release.
Face ID with a mask scans the area around your eyes to authenticate your identity – although Apple cautions the full face scan is still the more secure option. It can also still authenticate transactions on Apple Pay and logins to supported third-party apps.
Keep in mind that while it does work with glasses on, it won't with sunglasses. And while you can use it on iOS 15.4, it only works with the iPhone 12 and later, according to Apple's website.
The unlocking update has long been awaited by Apple users amid continued mask mandates across the world, and the delay has attracted criticism for the world’s most valuable company.
Other smartphone manufacturers, such as Samsung Electronics and Huawei Technologies, have options such as iris scanning and fingerprint sensors to unlock their devices. Apple’s Face ID technology requires a full face and eye scan, and is the only biometric option in the iPhone line-up from the iPhone X, not counting the recently-launched third-generation iPhone SE.
AirTag anti-stalking
Apple's latest AirTag update has a clear message: anyone who tries to use it for illicit purposes is a crime. During the set-up of an AirTag or any other Find My accessory, there will be a warning that states the device is locked to an Apple ID, and that using it to track someone without consent is a crime.
AirTags have been hit with privacy and security concerns, something that Apple has continued to work on. In December, Apple unveiled an app for Android devices that will help users who do not own iPhones or iPads to detect unexpected AirTags and other devices compatible with Apple’s Find My network that are near them.
New settings for Emergency SOS
Emergency SOS has now been defaulted to pressing and holding both the side and either volume button to show the SOS screen. The previous option of pressing the side buttons five times can still be toggled in settings.
To initiate an emergency call, either drag the slider on top, or continue holding those buttons until the countdown runs out to start the call.
Apple Card widget
iOS 15.4 now gives you the option to place a widget for Apple Card – the company’s credit card issued by US bank Goldman Sachs – on the Today view, which can also be added to your home screen.
The widget shows how much you’ve spent across various categories and how much balance you currently have. This is, however, available only in the US.
Health app now holds vaccination records
Health records that are verifiable now support adding vaccination records, specifically in the EU Digital Covid Certificate format to the Health and Wallet apps. This allows EU residents to add to and easily access their vaccine cards in Wallet.
Universal Control
Probably at par with the mask-unlocking bit is Universal Control, which allows other Apple devices to function as second screens and, using a wireless Apple keyboard and mouse, drag and drop files between them. However, this doesn’t work on iPhones – only on iPads and Macs with the latest iPadOS 15.4 and macOS Monterey 12.3, respectively.
On a Mac, go to system preferences, then displays, and tick on Universal Control; check the boxes for "Allow your cursor and keyboard to move between any nearby Mac or iPad" and "Check the box for Push through the edge of a display to connect a nearby Mac or iPad". On an iPad, go to settings, general and AirPlay & Handoff, then enable cursor and keyboard. Place the two devices side-by-side and you're good to go.
Adjust keyboard brightness
In iPadOS 15.4, you can add a new Keyboard Brightness option to Control Centre, which allows you to adjust the brightness of a connected keyboard that has backlighting. While it is compatible with Apple's own Magic Keyboard, you still need to add it to Control Centre via settings.
New emojis!
Of course, what’s a hyped-up iOS update without some new emojis?
Among the new additions to the cute characters are the face with peeking eye, saluting face, face holding and the highly-popular melting face. Gestures and handshakes have seven new ones, including index pointing at the viewer, palm up/down and heart hands, in addition to multi-racial handshakes.
New to the animals and object categories include a coral, lotus, nest with and without eggs, crutch, bubbles and x-ray.
iOS 15.4 is compatible with all mainstream iPhones from the 6S series, plus all the SE models. iPadOS 15.4 supports all iPads from the fifth generation, iPad Airs from the second generation, iPad minis from the fourth generation and all iPad Pros.
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Apple iPhone through the years
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How Filipinos in the UAE invest
A recent survey of 10,000 Filipino expatriates in the UAE found that 82 per cent have plans to invest, primarily in property. This is significantly higher than the 2014 poll showing only two out of 10 Filipinos planned to invest.
Fifty-five percent said they plan to invest in property, according to the poll conducted by the New Perspective Media Group, organiser of the Philippine Property and Investment Exhibition. Acquiring a franchised business or starting up a small business was preferred by 25 per cent and 15 per cent said they will invest in mutual funds. The rest said they are keen to invest in insurance (3 per cent) and gold (2 per cent).
Of the 5,500 respondents who preferred property as their primary investment, 54 per cent said they plan to make the purchase within the next year. Manila was the top location, preferred by 53 per cent.
Oscars in the UAE
The 90th Academy Awards will be aired in the UAE from 3.30am on Monday, March 5 on OSN, with the ceremony starting at 5am
THE BIO: Mohammed Ashiq Ali
Proudest achievement: “I came to a new country and started this shop”
Favourite TV programme: the news
Favourite place in Dubai: Al Fahidi. “They started the metro in 2009 and I didn’t take it yet.”
Family: six sons in Dubai and a daughter in Faisalabad
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
A list of the animal rescue organisations in the UAE
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus
Tell-tale signs of burnout
- loss of confidence and appetite
- irritability and emotional outbursts
- sadness
- persistent physical ailments such as headaches, frequent infections and fatigue
- substance abuse, such as smoking or drinking more
- impaired judgement
- excessive and continuous worrying
- irregular sleep patterns
Tips to help overcome burnout
Acknowledge how you are feeling by listening to your warning signs. Set boundaries and learn to say ‘no’
Do activities that you want to do as well as things you have to do
Undertake at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. It releases an abundance of feel-good hormones
Find your form of relaxation and make time for it each day e.g. soothing music, reading or mindful meditation
Sleep and wake at the same time every day, even if your sleep pattern was disrupted. Without enough sleep condition such as stress, anxiety and depression can thrive.
UAE SQUAD
Mohammed Naveed (captain), Mohamed Usman (vice captain), Ashfaq Ahmed, Chirag Suri, Shaiman Anwar, Mohammed Boota, Ghulam Shabber, Imran Haider, Tahir Mughal, Amir Hayat, Zahoor Khan, Qadeer Ahmed, Fahad Nawaz, Abdul Shakoor, Sultan Ahmed, CP Rizwan
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Indoor cricket in a nutshell
Indoor cricket in a nutshell
Indoor Cricket World Cup - Sept 16-20, Insportz, Dubai
16 Indoor cricket matches are 16 overs per side
8 There are eight players per team
9 There have been nine Indoor Cricket World Cups for men. Australia have won every one.
5 Five runs are deducted from the score when a wickets falls
4 Batsmen bat in pairs, facing four overs per partnership
Scoring In indoor cricket, runs are scored by way of both physical and bonus runs. Physical runs are scored by both batsmen completing a run from one crease to the other. Bonus runs are scored when the ball hits a net in different zones, but only when at least one physical run is score.
Zones
A Front net, behind the striker and wicketkeeper: 0 runs
B Side nets, between the striker and halfway down the pitch: 1 run
C Side nets between halfway and the bowlers end: 2 runs
D Back net: 4 runs on the bounce, 6 runs on the full
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RedCrow Intelligence Company Profile
Started: 2016
Founders: Hussein Nasser Eddin, Laila Akel, Tayeb Akel
Based: Ramallah, Palestine
Sector: Technology, Security
# of staff: 13
Investment: $745,000
Investors: Palestine’s Ibtikar Fund, Abu Dhabi’s Gothams and angel investors
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White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogen
Chromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxide
Ultramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica content
Ophiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on land
Olivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour
Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha
Starring: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shantanu Maheshwari, Jimmy Shergill, Saiee Manjrekar
Director: Neeraj Pandey
Rating: 2.5/5
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War 2
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana
Rating: 2/5
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
'The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window'
Director:Michael Lehmann
Stars:Kristen Bell
Rating: 1/5
Jawan
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The specs
Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 217hp at 5,750rpm
Torque: 300Nm at 1,900rpm
Transmission: eight-speed auto
Price: from Dh130,000
On sale: now