Apple has rolled out iOS 18.4 Beta 3 to registered developers, bringing several refinements and bug fixes.
This update follows Beta 2, which introduced new Apple Intelligence features and expanded language support.
Release Information
iOS 18.4 Beta 3 is now available for all devices compatible with iOS 18. Developers can download the update via Settings > General > Software Update.
The update requires approximately 1.14 GB of storage on the iPhone 16 Pro Max and carries the build number 22E5222F.
Additionally, the modem firmware has been updated to version 1.54.2, potentially improving connectivity and call stability, particularly for the iPhone 16 series.
Key Updates
Back Tap Improvements
Apple has refined the Back Tap feature, which allows users to trigger actions by tapping the back of their device.
The banner that appears when Back Tap is activated now has a more transparent background and adjusted text color for better visibility.
Users can also disable this banner via a new toggle in Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap.
Wallet App Changes
The Wallet app has updated its "Subscriptions and Payments" section, renaming it to "Pre-Authorized Payments" for better clarity.
This section displays services and websites that have permission to charge a linked payment method.
Genmoji in WhatsApp
Users can now successfully access and send Genmoji within WhatsApp.
Previously, the Genmoji menu failed to open in earlier iOS 18.4 betas, but this issue has been resolved in Beta 3.
Camera Control Wording Adjustments
In Settings > Camera > Camera Control, the option previously labeled "Camera App" now simply reads "Camera" for greater clarity.
If users change the default launch action (e.g., switching to Magnifier), the setting now correctly reflects the selected tool instead of still displaying "Camera App."
Apple News+ Food Section UI Tweaks
The Apple News+ Food section, introduced in iOS 18.4, has received minor UI refinements, including:
- "Servings" now labeled as "Yield"
- Glyph icon changes for recipe-related actions
- Orange-colored timers for improved visibility
New Siri UI Fixes
Some users experienced issues with the new Siri UI not appearing after installing iOS 18.4 Beta 2.
This has been resolved in Beta 3, ensuring a consistent experience when using Apple Intelligence-powered Siri enhancements.
Performance and Bug Fixes
Performance Enhancements
Early reports indicate that performance remains stable compared to Beta 2.
While no major speed improvements have been noted, minor refinements may contribute to a smoother experience.
Geekbench scores suggest a slight fluctuation but no significant impact on real-world usage.
Battery Life Observations
Initial impressions suggest that battery life may be slightly worse than Beta 2, though further testing is needed to confirm any noticeable differences.
More insights will emerge as users continue daily use over the coming days.
Resolved Issues
- Apple Intelligence Fixes: Improvements in how Apple Intelligence processes requests, contributing to a more reliable Siri experience.
- Wi-Fi Calling Fix: US Cellular users previously encountered issues with Wi-Fi calling on earlier betas, but this has been addressed in Beta 3.
- Third-Party Writing Tools: Compatibility issues with third-party writing apps have been resolved, ensuring smoother text input experiences.
Editor's Comments
iOS 18.4 Beta 3 continues Apple's trend of refining new features rather than introducing groundbreaking changes.
The ability to disable the Back Tap banner is a welcome addition for users who prefer a cleaner interface, while Wallet app refinements improve clarity around pre-authorized payments.
Looking ahead, Apple is likely to release iOS 18.4 Beta 4 next week, keeping pace with its current weekly beta cycle.
A potential iOS 18.3.2 update may also arrive soon as a minor bug fix patch for non-beta users.
With no major Apple Intelligence updates in this beta, it's becoming increasingly clear that Apple is reserving significant AI advancements for iOS 19, expected later this year at WWDC 2025.
As AI-driven features continue to evolve, Apple's focus on refining usability and stability ensures a smoother experience across its ecosystem.
Follow Us on Facebook
