iOS 18.4 Beta 1: 50 New Changes and Features

In the latest episode of “iOS Decoded,” 9to5Mac takes a deep dive into the newest features of iOS 18.4, shining light on several upgrades that you might not have heard of before. This episode includes a detailed showcase of several features, such as the new setup process for Mac computers, how to prioritize notifications, the innovative Ambient Music feature, and more. For those eager to learn further about iOS 18.4, subscribing to 9to5Mac on YouTube is recommended for extra coverage.

Among the many interesting features discovered in the 18.4 beta version, five stand out the most. If you want a complete overview of all 50 new features, watching the video would be beneficial.

One exciting addition is the Ambient Music feature, which Apple has integrated into iOS 18.4. Easily accessible from the Control Center, this feature offers four different music styles: Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing. Each style has its own playlist tailored to that mood. For instance, the Chill style includes playlists like Piano Chill, Ambient Chill, Lo-Fi Jazz, and Pure Chill. Users have the option to customize these playlists through Control Center. If the existing playlists don’t meet your taste, you can also add songs from your own Apple Music library. Since this feature is embedded in the Control Center, you can quickly access it from other areas, such as the Lock Screen or using the iPhone’s Action Button.

The new proximity setup for Mac helps users set up their Mac quickly if they also have the iOS 18.4 beta running alongside macOS 15.4. This feature works similarly to the current setup method used for new iPhones and iPads. This new proximity setup simplifies the process, making it more efficient than ever before.

Another interesting addition is the Apple News+ food recipes section. This feature brings together food-related articles, recipes, and videos for subscribers to the News app, and it is particularly great to use on iPads, where the larger display makes it easy to navigate through recipes, especially with integrated timers for different stages of cooking.

The Photos app also received an upgrade in iOS 18.4, specifically aimed at improving how users find images. A new feature allows users to filter photos by their ‘Shared With You’ status. This means you can quickly locate all the photos sent to you by friends and family, making it easier to organize and enjoy shared memories.

Additionally, iOS 18.4 introduces an updated Secure Indicator Light (SIL) feature. This enhancement indicates when important components like cameras or microphones are in use. The new animation allows the SIL to appear outside of the Dynamic Island, framed by a virtual black bezel, while utilizing the OLED screen for a brighter look, mimicking a real LED light.

In summary, while many were eagerly anticipating big new Siri features, they have been delayed for now. However, iOS 18.4 still brings a host of exciting changes and improvements. The features mentioned here are just a glimpse of what’s included. For a complete rundown, checking out the detailed video walkthrough is advised.