Apple has released the first beta of iOS 18.4 for developers, bringing a range of new features and system improvements.
While major Apple Intelligence updates are still absent, this release includes enhancements such as a dedicated Apple News+ Food section, Priority Notifications, and expanded language support for Apple Intelligence.
Release Information
The iOS 18.4 beta 1 is now available for developer beta testers and carries the build number 22E5200s. A public beta release is expected in the coming week.
The update requires approximately 7.72 GB of installation space and includes a modem firmware update to version 13.02 for iPhone 16 series devices.
Users can download the beta through the Settings app > General > Software Update if they are enrolled in Apple's developer program.
Key Updates
Apple News+ Food
A new Food section in Apple News+ offers thousands of curated recipes from publishers like Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Serious Eats. The interface is optimized for easy navigation, with features such as step-by-step cooking instructions and an integrated timer.
Priority Notifications
Apple Intelligence now supports Priority Notifications, which highlights important alerts with a distinct design, making it easier to identify critical messages directly from the lock screen.
Image Playground Sketch Style
The Sketch style has been added to Image Playground, completing the set of promised styles alongside Animation and Illustration.
Expanded Apple Intelligence Language Support
Apple Intelligence now supports additional languages, including French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese, along with localized English for Singapore and India.
Genmoji UI Update
The Genmoji button in the emoji keyboard is now larger and includes a text label to improve visibility.
Default App Categories Expansion
Users in the United States can now set a default Translate app, while those in the European Union can choose a default Navigation app, further expanding iOS customization options.
Ambient Music in Control Center
Four new music modes—Chill, Productivity, Sleep, and Wellbeing—can now be accessed via Control Center toggles. These modes are linked to default Apple Music playlists but can be customized with user-selected playlists.
CarPlay Interface Update
A third row of app icons has been added to the CarPlay Home screen for select vehicles, improving accessibility and navigation.
New Mail App on iPad
The redesigned Mail app that debuted in iOS 18.2 is now available on iPad, featuring automatic email categorization into Primary, Promotions, Transactions, and Updates tabs.
Apple Vision Pro Enhancements
A standalone Apple Vision Pro app will soon be available on iPhone with iOS 18.4, allowing users to manage their device more efficiently.
Additionally, new accommodations for the Guest User feature on Vision Pro are expected in future updates.
Performance and Bug Fixes
Interface Adjustments
- The Control Center now includes a refined design for the Focus mode picker and Cellular Data toggle.
- A new editing interface has been introduced for managing album lists in the Photos app.
Bug Fixes and Stability Improvements
- Fixes have been applied to Genmoji personalization issues and third-party app integration with writing tools.
- A known issue affecting Wi-Fi calling for US Cellular customers remains unresolved, requiring affected users to downgrade to iOS 18.3 if necessary.
- Some users report that Apple Intelligence models take longer than usual to download after updating to iOS 18.4 beta 1.
Performance and Battery Life
- Early reports suggest that iOS 18.4 beta 1 introduces some performance inconsistencies, particularly within Image Playground and Apple Intelligence features.- Battery life appears slightly worse than iOS 18.3, which is typical for early beta releases.
Editor's Comments
iOS 18.4 beta 1 primarily focuses on refining existing features rather than introducing groundbreaking changes. The addition of Priority Notifications enhances Apple Intelligence’s practicality, while the expansion of language support signals Apple’s commitment to global accessibility.
The integration of Apple News+ Food suggests Apple’s continued push into lifestyle services, potentially competing with dedicated recipe apps. Meanwhile, the expansion of default app categories in the EU reflects Apple’s compliance with regulatory changes while giving users more control over their devices.
Looking ahead, iOS 18.4 is expected to launch in April, with additional betas rolling out over the next few weeks. Users can anticipate further refinements to Apple Intelligence and possibly the long-awaited Siri enhancements in future updates.
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