Nearly a month since the release of iOS 18.3, we now have the first public beta of iOS 18.4, introducing a host of significant and minor updates for iPhone users. Here’s a breakdown of the latest features in today’s update.
Priority Notifications and additional Apple Intelligence features
The initial beta of iOS 18.4 introduces four new enhancements to Apple Intelligence:
- Priority Notifications: While disabled by default, you can activate this feature via Settings ⇾ Notifications ⇾ Prioritize Notifications, allowing key alerts to stand out on the Lock Screen.
- Improvements to Image Playground: Apple’s AI image creation tool now introduces a third style option called Sketch, in addition to Animation and Illustration.
- Expanded language support: Previously only available in English, Apple Intelligence now offers ten additional languages.
- AI accessibility in the EU: Users in the EU can now access the full suite of Apple Intelligence features on iPhones and iPads, which were previously exclusive to Macs.
We are still anticipating significant upgrades for Siri, which I’ll discuss later.
Video overview: iOS 18.4 – 50 features
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New features in Apple News+ for food and recipes
iOS 18.4 enhances Apple News+ with expanded features focused on food and recipes.
Users with a News+ subscription can explore a new dedicated Food hub within the News app that showcases “tens of thousands” of recipes alongside articles about restaurants and other culinary updates. The recipe interface is newly designed, making it easier to follow.
If you often use online recipes, this improvement is particularly significant. The clean interface devoid of bothersome ads is a welcome change. Additionally, a convenient feature allows you to set timers directly from the recipe page.
Ambient Music feature in Control Center and more
A new Ambient Music feature has been introduced in Control Center, offering four distinct mood soundtracks:
- Chill
- Productivity
- Sleep
- Wellbeing
Each mood has a default Apple Music playlist assigned, but you can customize which playlist it plays from your options. These controls can be integrated into Control Center, as well as on your iPhone’s Action button or Lock Screen.
Everything else
- New default app categories: iOS 18.4 introduces the option to select a default Translation app, along with a new Navigation setting available in the EU.
- New Apple Podcasts widgets: Two new widget types for Apple Podcasts—Library and Shows—offer quick access to various episodes.
- Expanded CarPlay app grid: Users with larger CarPlay displays can now utilize a third row of app icons, enhancing the grid previously limited to two.
- Robot vacuum compatibility with Matter: The Home app starts supporting robot vacuums that work with the cross-platform Matter standard.
- Various improvements: Additional user interface enhancements and adjustments in iOS 18.4 include tweaks in Control Center, Safari, new editing options for Albums in Photos, and a shortcut for opening specific Messages conversations.
What’s missing: Siri upgrades
Many anticipated that iOS 18.4 would deliver three key upgrades for Siri: enhanced on-screen awareness, better personal context understanding, and new in-app functionalities. Sadly, none of these features have made it into beta 1.
There’s a chance that Apple may introduce some of these Siri features in subsequent iOS 18.4 betas. However, industry expert Mark Gurman believes they could be delayed until iOS 18.5.
What features of the iOS 18.4 public beta are you most excited about? Share your thoughts in the comments.
