Apple’s latest iOS 18.4 beta has arrived, promising under-the-hood upgrades, smarter Siri tricks, and a long-awaited texting overhaul. But before you rush to install it, let’s clear up confusion about compatibility: Is the beta available for iPhone 14, 15, 15 Ultra or the rumored iPhone 16e? Here’s what you need to know.
Which iPhones Support iOS 18.4 Beta?
As of now, the iOS 18.4 beta is officially available for:
- iPhone 14 series (14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max)
- iPhone 15 series (15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max)
But wait—what about the “15 Ultra” or “16e”?
- iPhone 15 Ultra: This model doesn’t exist. Apple’s 2023 flagship is the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
- iPhone 16e: Likely a typo or placeholder name. The iPhone 16 series isn’t launching until September 2024, and Apple hasn’t confirmed an “e” variant.
Good news: When the iPhone 16 lineup debuts, it will ship with iOS 18 preinstalled and receive the 18.4 update.
What’s New in iOS 18.4 Beta?
While Apple remains tight-lipped, beta testers and code sleuths have spotted key upgrades:
- RCS Messaging (Finally!): Say goodbye to green-bubble chaos. iPhones can now send high-res photos, read receipts, and typing indicators to Android users—if carriers enable it.
- Siri’s AI Glow-Up: Siri uses on-device AI for faster, context-aware replies (e.g., “Add this address to my Calendar and send Mom an ETA”).
- Battery Health Dashboard: Detailed stats for iPhone 15 models, showing cycle count and capacity trends.
- Crash Detection Optimizations: Tweaks to reduce false emergency calls during extreme sports.
- Security Patches: Fixes for zero-day vulnerabilities reported by researchers.
How to Install the iOS 18.4 iPhone 14/15/16 Ultra and 16e?
The beta is developer-only for now, but here’s how to access it:
- Enroll in Apple’s Developer Program ($99/year).
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates.
- Select iOS 18.4 Developer Beta and download.
Public beta testers: Wait until Apple releases the free public beta in 1–2 weeks.
Should You Install It?
Pros:
- Early access to RCS messaging (bye, pixelated memes).
- Siri feels less “dumb.”
- Security fixes protect against exploits.
Cons:
- Bugs galore: Testers report AirDrop failures, Wallet app crashes, and erratic battery drain.
- App incompatibility: Banking apps like Chase and PayPal may malfunction.
- No going back: Downgrading requires a full factory reset.
Rumors about an iPhone 16e (a budget model with an A17 chip) are swirling, but Apple hasn’t confirmed it. Even if it exists, iOS 18.4 beta won’t support unreleased hardware.
The iOS 18.4 beta is a solid preview of Apple’s 2024 priorities—better messaging, smarter Siri, and tighter security. But with instability risks, it’s best suited for developers or secondary devices.
For everyone else: Wait for the stable release in late March 2024. And if you’re holding out for an “iPhone 16e,” keep expectations low—Apple’s budget play might just be the iPhone SE 4.
