Apple has released iOS 18.4 Beta 2 to developers, continuing its refinement of Apple Intelligence features and system optimizations.
This update follows the first beta of iOS 18.4 and is expected to be publicly available in April.
Release Information
iOS 18.4 Beta 2 is now available for all compatible iOS 18 devices.
Developers can install the update via Settings > General > Software Update.
The new build number is 22E5216h, and the update size is approximately 1.34 GB, depending on the device.
A modem firmware update is included, improving connectivity and network stability, particularly for iPhone 16 models.
Additionally, iPhone 12 users can now install this beta after a previous issue that caused devices to become unresponsive was resolved.
Key Updates
Priority Notifications Customization
Apple has expanded its Priority Notifications feature, allowing users to manually select which apps should have prioritized notifications.
This AI-driven feature ensures that the most important alerts appear first on the Lock Screen.
Visual Intelligence for iPhone 15 Pro
Previously exclusive to the iPhone 16 series, Visual Intelligence is now available on iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.
Users can activate it via the Action Button or Control Center, offering enhanced AI-powered image recognition and contextual awareness.
Apple Vision Pro App
A new Apple Vision Pro app has been introduced, providing Vision Pro users with content discovery tools, spatial experience recommendations, and device tips.
Additionally, visionOS 2.4 Beta 2 includes a Spatial Gallery app, centralizing spatial photos, videos, and panoramas.
New Control Center Toggles
Apple has added new Apple Intelligence controls to the Control Center, including:
- Talk to Siri
- Type to Siri
- Visual Intelligence
These shortcuts provide quicker access to AI-powered features on supported devices.
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New Emojis
iOS 18.4 introduces seven new emoji, aligning with the latest Unicode standard:
- Face with bags under eyes
- Fingerprint
- Leafless tree
- Root vegetable
- Harp
- Shovel
- Splatter
These can be used alongside Apple's Genmoji system for personalized emoji creation.
Enhanced Shortcuts Actions
iOS 18.4 Beta 2 expands automation capabilities with new Shortcuts actions for apps like Safari, Maps, Books, News, and more.
These updates hint at deeper Siri integrations in future releases.
Wallet App Enhancements
The Wallet app now features a three-dot menu in the upper-right corner, providing access to:
- Orders
- Settings
- A new "Subscriptions & Payments" section for managing Apple Pay-authorized recurring payments.
Apple Maps EV Routing Improvements
Support for Tesla NACS chargers is being added for Ford EVs in Apple Maps' routing system, improving navigation for electric vehicle owners.
Performance and Bug Fixes
Interface Adjustments
- A new pause button for App Store downloads, allowing users to stop and resume installations directly from the App Store interface.
- The Photos app now includes one-tap options to delete or recover all photos in the Recently Deleted folder.
Bug Fixes & Stability Improvements
- Resolved issues with Apple News crashing, particularly in the News+ Food section.
- Fixed a bug causing some notifications to flicker or collapse unexpectedly on the Lock Screen.
- Addressed an issue where some Apple Intelligence features required a device reboot before becoming available.
- Performance improvements have been noted, with smoother animations and reduced lag in certain areas like Apple Music and Camera app transitions.
Battery Life & Heat Management
Early reports suggest that battery life remains stable compared to Beta 1, though further testing is needed over several days.
Some users have noted that devices may run slightly warmer post-update due to background processing.
Editor's Comments
iOS 18.4 Beta 2 continues Apple's push toward integrating AI-driven enhancements across iPhone features.
The expansion of Visual Intelligence to older models like the iPhone 15 Pro signals Apple's intention to make AI-powered tools more widely accessible.
Meanwhile, refinements in notifications and automation suggest that future updates may bring even deeper personalization features through Apple Intelligence.
With a public release expected in early April, additional betas may introduce further refinements or surprise features—possibly in preparation for WWDC announcements later this year.
As Apple continues to fine-tune its AI ecosystem, future updates could bring even more advanced Siri capabilities and system-wide intelligence improvements.
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