Apple recently withdrew the beta versions of iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4 and watchOS 11.4 for certain devices. Various models of the iPhone 12 series and all versions of the Apple Watch Series 6 are particularly affected. The decision came after initial users reported problems such as boot loops and crashes.
Beta versions of Apple software give developers and tech-savvy users early access to new features. However, such test versions are not always error-free. In some cases, a company has to pull an update to avoid major problems. That's exactly what happened with the latest beta versions of iOS, iPadOS and watchOS. The sudden withdrawal of the software mainly affects older but still widely used devices.
Apple withdraws watchOS 11.4 beta for Apple Watch Series 6
On Friday evening, Apple released watchOS 11.4 Beta 1, but just one day later it was withdrawn for all Apple Watch Series 6 models. This means that users of this smartwatch can no longer install the beta or re-download an update that has already been installed. Reports in the subreddit r/watchOSbeta suggest that some users were struggling with crashes after installing the update. One of them said he was using an Apple Watch Series 6, while the other did not provide any details about his model. Apple has apparently responded by removing the beta version for these models. Aaron Perris according to This decision affects all variants of the Apple Watch Series 6:
- Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS, 40mm)
- Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS, 44mm)
- Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS + Cellular, 40 mm)
- Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS + Cellular, 44 mm)
iOS 18.4 Beta and iPadOS 18.4 Beta also withdrawn
Not only watchOS 11.4 is affected. The iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 beta have also been withdrawn for some iPhones and iPads. What is particularly striking is that Apple has withdrawn the beta mainly for devices from 2020. The following models are affected:
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPad 8 (Cellular)
- iPad Air 4 (Wi-Fi)
- iPad Air 4 (cellular)
- iPad Air 11-inch (M2) (cellular)
- iPad Air 13-inch (M2) (cellular)
Apple has not yet made an official statement as to why these devices were excluded, but some users are reporting boot loops, which could indicate that there are serious stability issues with the beta version.
What does this mean for beta testers?
For users who have already installed the beta, there is currently no way to go back to the previous version unless they have previously created a backup. Anyone who has not yet downloaded the beta can no longer do so. It remains to be seen whether and when Apple will make a revised version of the affected software available again.
iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4 and watchOS 11.4: Apple struggles with faulty betas
The withdrawal of the iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4 and watchOS 11.4 beta versions shows that even a company like Apple is not immune to problems with new software releases. What is particularly striking is that many of the affected devices date from 2020. Whether this is a coincidence or whether certain hardware components are responsible for the problems remains unclear for the time being. However, Apple is probably already working on a solution. It is to be hoped that a bug-fixed beta version will soon be available again so that developers and testers can continue working without major restrictions. Discover a whole range of useful tips and tricks related to Apple Intelligence! Here you will find everything you needto make the most of the smart features of your Apple devices – have fun browsing and trying them out! (Photo by Unsplash / Omar Al-Ghosson)
- iOS 18.4 brings Matter support for robot vacuum cleaners
- iOS 18.4 Beta 1: These are the most important new features
