Apple has taken a significant step forward in its iOS 18 journey with the release of the first public beta of iOS 18.4 on February 24. This update arrives more than a month after the public rollout of iOS 18.3, which brought critical fixes and improvements to all iPhones. The latest beta, however, introduces a host of new features aimed at enhancing user experience, particularly for developers and public beta testers. From priority notifications to ambient music controls and expanded Apple Intelligence capabilities, iOS 18.4 promises to deliver a more intuitive and personalized iPhone experience.
A Word of Caution: Beta Testing
Before diving into the new features, it’s important to note that this is a beta release. As such, it may contain bugs, performance issues, or battery life concerns. Apple recommends installing the beta on a secondary device rather than your primary iPhone to avoid disruptions. The final version of iOS 18.4 is expected to launch in April, though an exact date has yet to be confirmed.
Priority Notifications: Smarter Alerts
One of the standout features in the iOS 18.4 beta is Priority Notifications, a new addition powered by Apple Intelligence. Designed to help users stay on top of important alerts, this feature organizes notifications into a separate section on the Lock Screen.
“Apple Intelligence can show you notifications that may be important in a separate section on the Lock Screen, so you can catch up on what you may have missed,” Apple explains in the feature’s description. “You can still swipe up to view all notifications.”
Priority Notifications is disabled by default but can be easily enabled by navigating to Settings > Notifications > Prioritize Notifications and toggling the feature on. This enhancement is particularly useful for users who receive a high volume of notifications and want to ensure they don’t miss critical updates.
Sketch Mode in Image Playground
Apple Intelligence continues to shine with the introduction of Sketch mode in Image Playground, the company’s AI-powered image generator. This new art style creates fully colored images that resemble hand-drawn sketches, adding a creative twist to the app’s existing Animation and Illustration styles.
While Sketch mode produces visually appealing results, it’s worth noting that the feature is still in its early stages and may exhibit imperfections. Nonetheless, it offers users another way to express their creativity and generate unique visuals directly on their iPhones.
Ambient Music in Control Center
For those who rely on music to set the mood while working, relaxing, or tackling chores, iOS 18.4 introduces ambient music controls in the Control Center. This feature allows users to quickly access and play ambient music without needing to open a separate app.
To add ambient music controls, swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to open the Control Center, tap the plus (+) sign, and select Add a Control. From there, you’ll find four ambient music options: Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing. Each control can be customized with different playlists, including options like Laidback Lo-Fi, Mellow Piano, and even tracks from your personal library.
This addition simplifies the process of finding the perfect background music, making it easier than ever to create a productive or relaxing atmosphere. However, some users may find it cumbersome to manage multiple controls, as they cannot currently be grouped into a single widget.
Recipes in Apple News
Apple News Plus subscribers will soon have access to a new Food section, packed with recipes from renowned publications like Food & Wine and Good Food. This feature, introduced in the iOS 18.4 beta, allows users to save recipes for offline access and utilize a full-screen cook mode for easy step-by-step instructions.
The Food section also includes articles on restaurants, healthy eating tips, and culinary trends, making it a valuable resource for home cooks and food enthusiasts. By offering this feature at no additional cost, Apple is positioning Apple News Plus as a competitive alternative to standalone recipe platforms like The New York Times Cooking.
Expanded Default App Options
Building on the changes introduced in iOS 18.2, the iOS 18.4 beta allows users to set third-party apps as defaults for additional categories. One notable addition is the ability to change the default translation app from Apple Translate to alternatives like Google Translate.
In the European Union, users can also switch their default navigation app from Apple Maps to other services like Waze. These updates reflect Apple’s commitment to providing greater flexibility and customization options for iPhone users.
Podcasts Enhancements
The Podcasts app receives a few updates in the iOS 18.4 beta, including new widget options for Shows and Library. Users can now add widgets that play episodes from specific shows or curated lists, making it easier to access their favorite content directly from the home screen.
Additionally, the app introduces two new settings—Podcasts Settings and Notification Settings—though they are non-functional in this beta release. Apple is expected to add functionality in future updates.
Siri and Apple Intelligence: A Smarter Assistant
With the iOS 18.4 beta, Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhones gain enhanced Siri capabilities. Users can now ask Siri for suggestions on how to use first-party apps like Messages, Mail, and Settings. For example, asking “What can I do in Phone?” will generate a list of actions, such as making a call or starting a FaceTime session.
This feature aims to help users discover and utilize the full potential of their iPhone’s built-in apps, making Siri an even more valuable assistant.
Apple Intelligence Goes Global
One of the most exciting announcements in the iOS 18.4 beta is the expansion of Apple Intelligence to more languages and regions. When the update is released in April, users in the European Union will gain access to Apple Intelligence for the first time. Additionally, support for languages like Spanish, French, and Japanese will make these features accessible to a broader audience.
The iOS 18.4 public beta offers a tantalizing preview of what’s to come in Apple’s next major update. From smarter notifications and creative tools to enhanced music controls and global accessibility, this update underscores Apple’s commitment to innovation and user experience.
As the beta testing phase continues, users can expect further refinements and additional features before the final release in April. For now, developers and beta testers have the opportunity to explore these new capabilities and provide feedback to help shape the future of iOS.
Whether you’re a productivity enthusiast, a creative professional, or a home cook, iOS 18.4 promises to bring something for everyone. Stay tuned for more updates as Apple continues to refine and expand its latest operating system.
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