Apple’s latest iOS 18.4 beta has arrived, and it’s already sparking buzz among developers and early adopters. While the update isn’t as flashy as a full-numbered iOS release, it packs subtle tweaks, under-the-hood improvements, and a few surprises that hint at Apple’s priorities for 2024. Here’s everything you need to know.
1. Smarter AI Integration
The standout feature in iOS 18.4 is its expanded use of on-device AI. Siri feels more responsive, with faster answers to complex queries like “Summarize this article” or “Find photos from last summer.” Early testers report improved contextual understanding, such as Siri recognizing follow-up questions without repeating prompts. Apple’s focus on privacy remains intact, as most AI processing happens locally, avoiding cloud-based data sharing.
2. New Emoji (Yes, Really)
Emoji lovers, rejoice! The beta introduces 18 new characters, including a skeptical face (🤨), a high-five gesture (🙌✨), and long-requested food icons like a pancake stack and a vegan burger. These align with Unicode 16.0 standards, ensuring cross-platform compatibility.
3. Enhanced Security Features
Security gets a boost with “Locked Apps,” a feature allowing users to password-protect or Face ID-lock sensitive apps like Notes, Photos, or third-party banking tools. Additionally, Apple has tightened anti-stalking measures for AirTags, alerting users faster if an unknown tracker is detected nearby.
4. Adaptive Audio for Accessibility
A new accessibility tool called Adaptive Audio dynamically adjusts volume levels based on your environment. For example, it lowers background noise during calls in loud spaces or amplifies voices in quiet settings. This builds on Apple’s existing VoiceOver and Sound Recognition tools, further cementing iOS as a leader in inclusive tech.
5. Battery Health Insights
iOS 18.4 beta users can now see granular battery usage stats, including app-by-app breakdowns of background activity. A new “Optimized Charging” toggle also lets users prioritize battery lifespan over faster charging—perfect for those who keep their iPhones for years.
6. Under-the-Hood Tweaks
Minor but meaningful changes include smoother animations, reduced app launch times, and fixes for Wi-Fi dropouts reported in iOS 18.3. Developers are also digging into code hints about upcoming features, like a “Journal” app expansion and deeper HomeKit integrations.
As always, beta software comes with risks—bugs, crashes, and battery drain are common. This build is best suited for developers or enthusiasts with a secondary device. To install, join Apple’s Beta Software Program and download the profile via Settings.
Supported Devices for iOS 18.4 Beta:
The iOS 18.4 update will be compatible with the following iPhone models: iPhone 16 Series: 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max iPhone 15 Series: 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max iPhone 14 Series: 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max iPhone 13 Series: 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max iPhone 12 Series: 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max iPhone 11 Series: 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
iOS 18.4 beta reinforces Apple’s strategy of refining rather than reinventing. With AI advancements and privacy-centric updates, the company is clearly laying groundwork for its WWDC 2024 announcements. If the stable release maintains this balance of polish and innovation, iPhone users have plenty to look forward to this spring.
Stay tuned for more updates as the beta evolves—and let us know which feature excites you most!
