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Apple has released the first beta of iOS 18.4 for developers. Even though some of the most important features of Apple Intelligence are still missing, there are numerous interesting new features and optimizations. The beta includes improvements for notifications, a new category for Apple News+, changes to CarPlay and a revised Mail app for the iPad. Anyone interested in iOS updates or wanting to test the latest features should take a closer look at this version.
Apple regularly releases updates for iOS to improve the user experience and integrate new features. With iOS 18.4, the company continues this trend and offers some exciting adjustments. These include a third image style for the Image Playground, an expansion of Apple Intelligence voice support, and new default app options. CarPlay also gets a design update, and the Podcasts app is expanded to include new widgets. Here are all the changes included in iOS 18.4 Beta 1.
Apple News+ Food brings recipes to the iPhone
With iOS 18.4 leads Apple has introduced a new section in Apple News+: Apple News+ Food. Subscribers get access to tens of thousands of recipes compiled by renowned publishers such as Allrecipes, Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, Good Food and Serious Eats. In addition to recipes, there are also articles about restaurants, healthy eating and kitchen appliances.
Priority notifications for important messages
With iOS 18.4, Apple is introducing the Priority Notifications feature. These are designed to help you immediately recognize important notifications. The messages are visually highlighted so that they are clearly distinguishable from normal notifications.
New style for Image Playground
When Apple introduced the Image Playground in iOS 18.2, two image styles were made available: Animation and Illustration. iOS 18.4 now adds Sketch as a third style that simulates hand-drawn graphics.
Apple Intelligence supports more languages
Apple Intelligence's AI-powered features are now available in more languages. In addition to English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese are now supported. There are also localized English versions for Singapore and India.
Genmoji gets an improved user interface
Apple has made the Genmoji button in the emoji keyboard larger so that the function is easier to find. In addition, a pop-up appears when you first open it, explaining how to create custom emojis.
New options for standard apps
Users worldwide can now set a default translation app. In the European Union, there is also the option to choose a default navigation app.
Four new ambient music options in the Control Center
With iOS 18.4, four new music modes can be activated in the Control Center. These are specifically tailored to different moods:
- Chill
- Productivity
- Sleep
- Wellbeing
The modes are linked to Apple Music playlists by default, but can also be used with your own playlists.
CarPlay gets a revised user interface
The CarPlay interface receives a visual adjustment and now allows a third row of app icons on the home screen. However, this change is only available in certain vehicle models.
New Mail app now also available for iPad and Mac
The Mail app, which was redesigned on the iPhone with iOS 18.2, is now also available for iPad and Mac users. Emails are automatically sorted into four categories:
- Important: This is where all important emails end up, including messages from contacts or personal emails.
- Transactions: This area collects transactional emails, order confirmations, invoices and similar messages.
- News: This is where emails with status updates, app notifications, or other automatic updates appear.
- Advertising: Newsletters, advertising emails and offers are stored in this folder.
Apple Vision Pro integration
Apple announces that a special Apple Vision Pro app will be introduced with iOS 18.4 and visionOS 2.4. As soon as the iPhone is updated to iOS 18.4, this app will appear automatically. Those who do not have Apple Vision Pro can still download the app to explore the platform.
New editing options for the Photos app
The Photos app has an optimized interface for album management. This should make editing and organizing photo albums easier.
New age categories for iPhone setup
Anyone setting up a new iPhone must now specify an age range for the user. Apple uses this information to customize parental controls and security features. The categories are:
- child (up to 12 years)
- teenagers (13 to 17 years)
- Adult (18 years and older)
New widgets for the Podcasts app
Apple is expanding the Podcasts app with new widgets. Users can now select and play a media library or a specific program directly on the home screen.
Other minor changes in iOS 18.4
- Two new Australian Siri voices
- Two new shortcuts for the Messages app: “Open conversation” and “Send message”
- Revised animations and design elements in the Control Center
- Japanese digital ID “My Number Card” can now be stored in Apple Wallet
iOS 18.4: The next step for iPhone users
iOS 18.4 brings numerous new features and optimizations. The expanded priority notifications, the new Apple Intelligence languages and the ambient music options in the Control Center are particularly practical additions. The changes to CarPlay, Apple News+ and the Mail app on the iPad and Mac show that Apple is continuously working on improving the user experience. iOS 18.4 is currently only available to developers as a beta version. A public beta should follow in the next few weeks. If you want to take an early look at the new features, you can sign up via the Apple Beta program. Looking for the best accessories? Visit our Amazon Storefront and discover a variety of products from top providers, including for HomeKit! (Image: Apple)
