The initial release of the iOS 18.4 beta introduced a novel feature by Apple: Priority Notifications. With today’s beta 2 update, Apple enhances user control over how this feature operates. Here are the specifics.
You can now exclude apps from Priority Notifications as you prefer
In its first iteration, Priority Notifications in iOS 18.4 had a simplified on-off switch.
This essentially meant you could either enable Priority Notifications for all applications or deactivate them entirely.
Here’s a brief from Apple explaining the feature:
Apple Intelligence can showcase notifications deemed important in a distinct segment on the Lock Screen, allowing you to catch up on missed alerts. You still have the option to swipe up for all notifications.
This “distinct segment” is positioned more prominently on your Lock Screen compared to other notifications, subtly indicating that these notifications may warrant your attention.
However, without specific controls to choose which apps could be included, Priority Notifications could unintentionally highlight alerts that are of little interest to users.
Fortunately, in the latest iOS 18.4 beta 2, users can selectively disable Priority Notifications for individual apps.
By navigating to Settings ⇾ Notifications ⇾ Prioritize Notifications, you will see toggles for every app that supports notifications. A quick tap will exclude an app from being featured in that essential Priority Notifications bubble.
It will be fascinating to see if certain apps or categories of apps are deemed less significant than what Apple Intelligence suggests throughout the iOS 18.4 beta testing. Users’ feedback may even influence Apple’s AI algorithms.
Are you considering turning off Priority Notifications for specific apps in iOS 18.4 beta 2? Share your choices in the comments below.
