Apple has officially launched the iOS 18.4 public beta, and it’s packed with a range of innovative features that are sure to enhance your user experience. While some were anticipating a groundbreaking AI overhaul for Siri, this update focuses on refining existing tools and introducing subtle yet impactful changes. Let’s dive into what’s new, what’s missing, and why this update is worth exploring.
What’s New in iOS 18.4?
1. Enhanced Apple Intelligence Features
Apple continues to expand its AI capabilities with Priority Notifications, a feature that uses built-in AI to surface the most important alerts at the top of your notification stack. To enable this, simply navigate to Settings > Notifications > Prioritize Notifications and toggle the switch.
Additionally, the Image Playground now includes a third style called Sketch, joining Animation and Illustration. This feature allows users to create unique visuals with ease. Accessing Genmoji has also become more straightforward, thanks to a dedicated button.
2. Expanded Language Support
Apple Intelligence now supports additional languages, including French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese (simplified). It also includes localized English for users in India and Singapore, making the feature more accessible globally.
3. New Apple News+ Food Section
For Apple News+ subscribers, a new Food section has been introduced. This section offers recipes, healthy eating tips, and other culinary content, making it a valuable resource for food enthusiasts.
4. Ambient Music in Control Center
A new Ambient Music option is now accessible through the Control Center. Users can select from categories like Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing to play music tailored to their current mood or activity.
5. Podcasts App Widgets
The update brings two new widgets for the Podcasts app: the Library widget displays all saved episodes, while the Shows widget focuses on episodes from a specific podcast.
6. CarPlay and Translation Updates
CarPlay users with larger displays will now see an extra row of icons on the screen. Additionally, users can set a default translation app, streamlining language translation tasks.
Device Compatibility for Apple Intelligence
To access Apple Intelligence, you’ll need a compatible device. This includes:
- Any iPhone 16 model
- iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPad with an A17 Pro, M1, or later chip
- Mac with an M1 or later chip
Apple has also released public betas for iPadOS 18.4 and macOS 15.4, which include many of the same enhancements as iOS 18.4.
What’s Missing in iOS 18.4?
One of the most anticipated updates—on-screen awareness for Siri—is notably absent. This feature would have allowed Siri to answer questions based on the content displayed on your screen. Additionally, Siri’s integration with third-party apps remains limited.
While minor tweaks to Siri may still appear before the official release of iOS 18.4, significant updates are likely delayed until iOS 18.5, expected in late April or May.
What to Expect Next
Apple has hinted that Apple Intelligence will continue to evolve, with more features and Siri enhancements rolling out in the coming months. This suggests that iOS 18.5 will bring more substantial changes, particularly for Siri and third-party app integrations.
Should You Try the iOS 18.4 Public Beta?
If you’re an Apple enthusiast eager to explore the latest features, the iOS 18.4 public beta is worth a try. However, keep in mind that beta versions may have bugs or performance issues. For most users, waiting for the official release might be the safer option.
Conclusion
The iOS 18.4 public beta brings a range of exciting updates, from expanded Apple Intelligence features to new widgets and ambient music options. While it lacks major Siri upgrades, it sets the stage for future advancements. Whether you’re a developer, a tech enthusiast, or a casual user, this update offers plenty to look forward to.
Stay tuned for more updates as Apple continues to refine its operating systems and bring new innovations to its users.
