Apple has released the third beta versions of its upcoming iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 updates to developers for testing. These new beta versions follow the second beta releases, which occurred a week prior.
Developers can download the iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 beta versions on compatible devices through the Settings application, under the “General” and “Software Update” sections.
The iOS 18.4 update introduces the Priority Notifications feature, part of Apple Intelligence, which aims to prioritize and highlight important notifications on the device’s Lock Screen.
Visual Intelligence capabilities have been expanded to include the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models in this latest beta release.
The update also includes a selection of new emoji characters, such as a bag under the eyes, a fingerprint, a leafless tree, a root vegetable, a harp, a shovel, and a splatter.
Apple News+ subscribers will find a new Food section within the Apple News+ application. Additionally, the Image Playground feature now offers a Sketch style, enabling users to generate images with a hand-drawn aesthetic. Apple Intelligence has also been expanded to more languages.
The iOS 18.4 beta includes a dedicated Apple Vision Pro application, which is available on iPhones connected to an Apple account with a Vision Pro headset. The application can also be downloaded from the App Store independently. This application provides users with tools to discover content, receive assistance, and learn about Vision Pro features, including adding content to the Apple TV application and remotely downloading applications.
A Discover page within the Vision Pro application offers curated recommendations for Vision Pro experiences, such as applications, games, 3D movies, immersive videos, and spatial photos.
While there were expectations of new Apple Intelligence features for Siri in iOS 18.4, reports indicate that development challenges have hindered their implementation.
Both Apple and various tech publications advise users against installing beta versions of operating systems on primary devices. Beta versions should be installed on devices specifically designated for testing.
