iOS 18.4 Public Beta Released: Discover What’s New
iOS 18.4 is the latest update after the previous version, iOS 18.3, which was released almost a month ago. The new public beta for iOS 18.4 has introduced several enhancements and features that will improve the user experience for iPhone users. Here’s a summary of what’s new.
One of the most notable improvements in iOS 18.4 is the introduction of Priority Notifications. This feature allows you to highlight your most important notifications so they stand out on your Lock Screen. While this option is turned off by default, you can easily turn it on by going to Settings, selecting Notifications, and then choosing to prioritize notifications.
Another exciting addition is the upgraded Image Playground, which is Apple’s tool for AI-generated images. This new update introduces a third style called Sketch, alongside the previously available Animation and Illustration options. Moreover, Apple is now supporting ten new languages for their AI features, expanding access beyond just English.
In the European Union, users can now enjoy the full benefits of Apple Intelligence on their iPhones and iPads. Previously, this functionality was limited to Mac devices. However, there are still some hopes for Siri improvements, which have not been included in this beta version.
Moving on to the Apple News+ service, iOS 18.4 adds a substantial feature aimed at food lovers. Subscribers to Apple News+ can look forward to a dedicated Food hub within the News app that offers access to countless recipes and interesting articles related to food. The recipe interface is designed to be user-friendly, making it easier to follow along without the distraction of ads. Additionally, there’s a helpful feature that allows users to start timers directly from the recipe.
Another interesting update is the introduction of the Ambient Music feature in the Control Center. This allows users to choose from four different mood-based soundtracks: Chill, Productivity, Sleep, and Wellbeing. Each soundtrack comes with default Apple Music playlists, but users have the option to customize these playlists according to their preferences.
Other changes in iOS 18.4 include new default app categories, making it possible to set a default translation app, while EU users now have Navigation as another option. The Podcasts app has new widgets to improve access to different episode groups. For CarPlay users, the app grid has expanded to allow a third row of icons on larger displays. Additionally, the Home app can now support robot vacuums that are compatible with the Matter standard.
Finally, there are various interface adjustments and improvements throughout the system, including updates to Control Center, Safari, and Photos. One notable mention is a shortcut feature that allows users to quickly open specific conversations in the Messages app.
However, it’s important to note that some expected Siri upgrades did not make it into this beta release. Features like onscreen awareness and personal context understanding were anticipated but have been delayed, and may be included in future updates.
Overall, iOS 18.4 brings a mix of enhancements that aim to make daily tasks more efficient and enjoyable on your iPhone. As users begin exploring these new features, feedback will likely offer insights into what works well and what can be improved in future updates.
