Apple recently concluded the beta testing for iOS 18.3, and typically, we would expect new beta releases by now. However, the launch of iOS 18.4 beta 1 is still anticipated. Fortunately, the wait is expected to be brief.
Anticipated Arrival of iOS 18.4 Beta 1 Within the Coming Week
Apple’s software release cycle tends to follow a predictable timeline, where new betas are generally available shortly after a significant public software release.
However, this pattern has not held true this time. Despite iOS 18.3 being released in late January, we find ourselves in mid-February awaiting the new beta.
Nevertheless, the wait might be winding down shortly.
Last week, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman shared expectations for the debut of the iOS 18.4 beta, anticipated sometime between “the middle of next week [this week] and early the following week.”
This week has gone by without any beta releases. However, it seems reasonable to expect something early next week.
Monday, February 17 marks President’s Day in the US, so a beta release is unlikely that day.
On Wednesday, February 19, Apple will hold a special launch event for new products, making it improbable for iOS 18.4 to be announced then.
This leads us to believe that, should Gurman’s predictions hold true, next Tuesday, February 18 could be the day the iOS 18.4 beta is released.
While it’s possible that the release could shift to later in the week, it seems almost certain we’ll see something within the next week.
Why the urgency? Apple has already indicated that iOS 18.4 is scheduled for a public launch in April, leaving little room to delay the start of beta testing for upcoming enhancements to Apple Intelligence and Siri.
Extended Delay Between Betas: Rare, Yet Not Uncommon
The gap of three full weeks between beta releases is atypical; however, it has occurred on occasion not too long ago.
Here’s a recap of the last three years of winter releases:
2024
- iOS 17.3 launch: Monday, January 22
- iOS 17.4 beta 1: Thursday, January 25
2023
- iOS 16.3 launch: Monday, January 23
- iOS 16.4 beta 1: Thursday, February 16
2022
- iOS 15.3 launch: Wednesday, January 26
- iOS 15.4 beta 1: Thursday, January 27
As demonstrated, Apple typically launches its new x.4 beta soon after the x.3 version is released. However, in 2023, they deviated from this trend.
Now, the same deviation appears to be happening again this year.
When do you think the iOS 18.4 beta will be officially released? Share your thoughts in the comments.
