The first iOS 18.4 public beta has arrived, bringing a mix of major and minor updates to the iPhone experience. Here’s a breakdown of what’s new in this release:
1. Priority Notifications & Apple Intelligence Features
Four exciting new Apple Intelligence updates are included in iOS 18.4:
- Priority Notifications: Users can now prioritize important alerts on the Lock Screen. This feature is off by default, but can be activated in Settings → Notifications → Prioritize Notifications.
- Image Playground Upgrade: Apple’s AI image creation tool now offers a third style option: Sketch, alongside the existing Animation and Illustration.
- Expanded Language Support: Apple Intelligence now supports 10 new languages, expanding its accessibility beyond just English.
- AI in the EU: Users in the EU can now access the full Apple Intelligence feature set on iPhones and iPads, a capability that was previously restricted to Macs.
2. Apple News+ Food and Recipe Features
Apple News+ is expanding its offerings in iOS 18.4 with a dedicated Food hub, providing tens of thousands of recipes along with food-related stories.
The recipe interface is ad-free, making it easier to follow along, and there’s a helpful timer integration for cooking.
3. Ambient Music in Control Center
New in Control Center, Ambient Music offers four different mood soundtracks: Chill, Productivity, Sleep, and Wellbeing.
You can customize each soundtrack to your preference, and the feature can be accessed via Control Center, the iPhone’s Action button, or Lock Screen.
4. Default App Categories
In iOS 18.4, users can now set a default Translation app. Additionally, users in the EU can also choose a default Navigation app, expanding the customization options for default apps.
5. New Apple Podcasts Widgets
Apple Podcasts now features two new widgets: Library and Shows. These provide quick access to different groups of episodes for easier navigation.
6. CarPlay App Grid Expansion
For users with large CarPlay displays, iOS 18.4 adds a third row of app icons to the grid, enhancing the overall experience for those with more apps.
7. Support for Robot Vacuums with Matter
The Home app now supports robot vacuums that integrate with the Matter standard, adding convenience for smart home users.
8. Miscellaneous UI Tweaks
iOS 18.4 brings various improvements, including tweaks to Control Center, Safari, Photos, and a new shortcut for opening specific Messages conversations.
What’s Missing: Siri Upgrades
While iOS 18.4 was expected to bring major Siri updates, such as onscreen awareness and personal context understanding, these features are not yet available in the first beta.
There’s speculation that these upgrades may appear in iOS 18.5 instead.
