Apple’s iOS 18.4 public beta is here, giving adventurous users an early look at the next wave of updates for iPhones. While betas come with risks—think bugs and battery quirks—they’re a golden ticket for those eager to test-drive new features before everyone else.
Here’s what you need to know about the iOS 18.4 public beta, including its release timeline, standout upgrades, and whether it’s worth the gamble.
Apple dropped the iOS 18.4 developer beta in late February 2025 with the public beta following in early March. The final stable version is expected to roll out to all users in late March or early April, aligning with Apple’s typical 4-6 week beta testing cycle.
Key Features: What’s New in iOS 18.4?
While iOS 18.4 isn’t a major overhaul, it packs meaningful tweaks and fixes:
Collaborative Apple Music Playlists
- Finally, a feature Spotify users have enjoyed for years! Create and edit playlists with friends in real time, complete with emoji reactions.
- Limitation: Only Apple Music subscribers get access.
Siri Gets Smarter (Again)
Contextual Awareness: Siri now leverages Apple Intelligence (AI) to remember past requests. Ask, “What was that recipe I saved yesterday?” and get a precise answer.
Multilingual Support: Switch between languages mid-request without resetting.
Enhanced CarPlay Experience
- New Widgets: Fuel range tracker, calendar alerts, and weather updates now live on the dashboard.
- Split-Screen Maps: View navigation and music controls simultaneously.
Emoji Kitchen Expands
- Mash up emojis to create 50+ new sticker combinations, including a crying unicorn 🦄💧 and a pizza heart 🍕❤️.
Security Fixes
- Patches for two zero-day vulnerabilities (already exploited in the wild) are included.
How to Install the iOS 18.4 Public Beta?
Before you start:
- Backup your iPhone via iCloud or a computer.
- Avoid installing on your primary device.
Steps:
- Sign up for the Apple Beta Software Program.
- Download the iOS 18 beta profile under Enroll Your Devices.
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update and tap Download and Install.
Compatible Devices:
- iPhone XS or newer (2018+ models).
Pros and Cons
Pros ✅:
- Early access to features like collaborative playlists.
- Improved security with critical patches.
- Bragging rights (you’re basically a tech pioneer).
Cons ❌:
- Battery drain: Beta software often hits battery life hard.
- App crashes: Some third-party apps (like banking tools) may glitch.
- No going back: Downgrading requires a full device reset.
Should You Install the iOS 18.4 Public Beta?
Yes, if you:
- Own a secondary iPhone you can afford to troubleshoot.
- Crave new features and don’t mind occasional hiccups.
- Want to help Apple squash bugs (submit feedback via the Feedback app!).
Wait, if you:
- Rely on your phone for work, travel, or daily essentials.
- Hate the thought of restarting your device multiple times a day.
The iOS 18.4 public beta offers a sneak peek at Apple’s incremental but impactful updates. While collaborative playlists and Siri upgrades are fun, weigh the risks before diving in. For most users, waiting for the stable release in April is the safer bet. But if you’re a thrill-seeker with a backup phone, this beta might just be your next tech adventure
