iOS 18.4 Beta: When to Expect the First Update After iOS 18.3

Apple is nearing the completion of its iOS 18.3 beta cycle, which means that the next major software update, iOS 18.4, is just around the corner.

Following the expected public release of iOS 18.3, which is likely to occur on Monday, January 27, iOS 18.4 beta 1 could arrive as early as Tuesday, January 28, or sometime later that week.

What to Expect from iOS 18.4 Beta 1

Apple’s release schedule for software updates tends to follow a predictable pattern, and iOS 18.4 is expected to adhere to this trend.

Historically, Apple has launched its x.4 beta updates shortly after the release of the x.3 versions, and with iOS 18.3 set to debut soon, the first beta of iOS 18.4 is likely to be available soon after.

For context, here’s a look at similar past releases:

• 2024: iOS 17.3 launched on January 22, with iOS 17.4 beta 1 arriving just a few days later on January 25.
• 2023: iOS 16.3 launched on January 23, followed by iOS 16.4 beta 1 on February 16.
• 2022: iOS 15.3 launched on January 26, with iOS 15.4 beta 1 arriving on January 27.

This pattern indicates that iOS 18.4 beta 1 could arrive in late January or early February, making it likely to land shortly after iOS 18.3’s public launch.

What’s New in iOS 18.4?

While iOS 18.4 is still in beta, we know that it will likely focus heavily on new Apple Intelligence features, including an upgraded version of Siri. As AI-driven tools become more integral to Apple’s ecosystem, iOS 18.4 is expected to deliver improvements that enhance the overall user experience.

Given that Apple is expected to roll out major AI-related changes in iOS 18.4, it makes sense that the company would want to maximize the amount of beta testing to ensure everything works smoothly.

Siri’s performance, in particular, will likely be a key area of focus, with Apple aiming to refine its voice assistant with these new features.

A Possible Delay?

While the historical trend suggests an imminent iOS 18.4 beta, there’s a possibility of a delay. Apple has confirmed that iOS 18.4 will be publicly released in April, which may make a late January beta seem early.

However, given the scale of the anticipated AI changes, Apple may choose to start beta testing sooner to gather more data and feedback before the final release.

When to Expect iOS 18.4 Beta

Based on historical patterns, iOS 18.4 beta 1 is likely to be released shortly after iOS 18.3 goes public, potentially by the end of January or early February. However, with a focus on new Apple Intelligence features, Apple may want to begin beta testing sooner rather than later to ensure optimal performance.

Stay tuned for further updates as we get closer to the official launch of iOS 18.3 and the subsequent release of iOS 18.4 beta.