Apple has launched the first developer beta of iOS 18.4, bringing several important updates and new features to iPhone and iPad users. As with other beta releases, this update is available exclusively to developers for testing purposes. iOS 18.4 beta 1 introduces a range of enhancements, notably for Apple Intelligence, Apple News+, and other system functionalities. With build number 22E5200s, the update includes several new features aimed at improving user experience and offering more customization options across various Apple services.
One of the key additions in iOS 18.4 beta 1 is the introduction of a brand-new Apple News+ Food section. This feature delivers a vast collection of curated recipes from some of the leading food publishers. Designed to provide a clean and user-friendly interface, it allows users to explore a wide range of stories covering topics such as healthy eating, restaurant reviews, kitchen tips, and much more. This section further enhances the Apple News+ experience by diversifying the content available to subscribers, catering to those interested in food culture and culinary exploration.
Another major highlight of iOS 18.4 beta 1 is the improvement of Apple Intelligence, particularly the addition of a new feature called Priority Notifications. This functionality is designed to streamline the notification management process by highlighting notifications that require immediate attention. These notifications are presented with a unique design, making it easier for users to distinguish important alerts from less critical ones. This update aims to enhance the efficiency of managing notifications, ensuring that users stay focused on the most relevant and time-sensitive information.
In addition to Priority Notifications, Apple Intelligence now supports eight new languages, greatly expanding its global reach. The update includes French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese (simplified). This expanded language support makes the iOS experience more inclusive and accessible to a wider audience. Furthermore, localized English support has been added for users in Singapore and India, ensuring that Apple users in these regions can enjoy a tailored experience.
Along with improvements to Apple Intelligence, the iOS 18.4 beta 1 update introduces a creative new feature in the Image Playground. The addition of a Sketch style provides users with more options to enhance their images, encouraging creative expression. This is complemented by an enlargement of the Genmoji button in the emoji keyboard, making it easier for users to create custom emojis. A helpful popup also appears the first time users access the Genmoji feature, prompting them to create their own unique emojis, adding a playful and personalized touch to the iOS messaging experience.
The update also introduces new default app categories, offering users more customization choices. In the United States and other select countries, users can now set a default Translate app, enabling a smoother translation experience when using language tools. Meanwhile, in the European Union, iOS 18.4 beta 1 enables users to set a default Navigation app, making it easier to navigate while driving or exploring new areas. These changes allow for a more streamlined user experience, offering greater flexibility when selecting core apps for daily use.
For those who frequently use CarPlay, the update brings an important visual update to the interface. iOS 18.4 beta 1 introduces a third row of app icons on the Home screen, providing users with more options and making it easier to access their most-used apps while on the road. However, it’s important to note that this new feature is currently limited to specific car models, so not all users will be able to take advantage of this enhancement immediately.
Several other updates in iOS 18.4 beta 1 are geared toward improving the overall iOS experience. For instance, the addition of new Ambient Music shortcuts in Control Center allows for quick and easy access to relaxing soundscapes. These ambient sounds can help users concentrate or unwind during the day, adding a calming element to their iOS experience. The Mail app on iPad has also received a redesign, bringing a more refined and user-friendly interface to users who rely on email for communication.
Moreover, iOS 18.4 beta 1 introduces the integration of Japan’s “My Number Card” Digital ID into Apple Wallet, expanding the functionality of the Wallet app for users in Japan. This feature provides a more convenient and secure way to store and access important personal identification information, aligning with Apple’s broader goal of digitizing and streamlining essential services for its users.
Siri has also received an update with two new Australian voices, adding more variety and regional customization to the virtual assistant. Furthermore, the iOS 18.4 beta 1 update introduces new Shortcuts actions for the Messages app, enhancing automation options for users who rely on Siri Shortcuts to streamline their tasks. These additions give users more control over their digital environment, enhancing the personalization and efficiency of their iOS devices.
In conclusion, iOS 18.4 beta 1 offers a wealth of new features and enhancements that aim to improve user experience across a range of Apple services. From the new Apple News+ Food section to the improvements in Apple Intelligence, users can expect a more refined, intuitive, and customizable iOS environment. The expansion of language support, as well as the addition of new features like Priority Notifications and default app categories, further solidifies iOS 18.4 beta 1 as a significant update for both iPhone and iPad users. Although it is currently available only to developers, it provides a glimpse of what’s to come for the wider public when the update is eventually rolled out.
