Apple is about to release iOS 18.4 Beta 1 and the update could bring some significant new features. The focus is on improvements for Siri, expanded support for Apple Intelligence and additional emojis. According to a report by Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, the first beta version should be available to developers "fairly soon". The update could represent a big step for Apple's AI strategy and further optimize the use of iPhones and iPads.
Since Apple released iOS 18.3 at the end of January, many users have been eagerly awaiting the next version. iOS 18.4 will be characterized primarily by expanded Siri functions and more Apple Intelligence features. In addition, language support for Apple's AI system will be expanded to include new languages. The popular emojis will also receive an update with the upcoming version. The first details about iOS 18.4 indicate that Apple is continuing to develop its operating system in the direction of artificial intelligence. But what exactly is in this update?
When will iOS 18.4 be released?
The first beta version of iOS 18.4 is expected to Gurman will be published between the middle of next week and the beginning of the following week. So sometime between February 12th and 18th. For comparison:
- iOS 17.4 Beta 1 was released on January 25, 2023.
- iOS 16.4 Beta 1 arrived on February 16, 2022.
The final version of iOS 18.4 is expected to be available to all users in April.
The most important new features of iOS 18.4
Improved Siri functions through Apple Intelligence
With iOS 18.4, Siri is finally set to receive a major upgrade. Apple plans to make the voice assistant more intelligent and improve interaction with apps and content on the screen. The expected innovations include:
- Personal context understanding: Siri should be able to better remember what the user has previously asked or done. This makes answers and suggestions more individual.
- On-screen awareness: Siri recognizes what is currently shown on the display and can react based on that. This should make operation more intuitive.
- App control by voice: Users can perform certain actions in apps directly with Siri without navigating through menus.
- Priority notifications: Using artificial intelligence, the system automatically highlights important messages so that unimportant notifications do not disturb.
These improvements could make Siri more powerful and more practical to use in everyday life.
Extended language support for Apple Intelligence
Until now, Apple Intelligence was only available in a few languages. With iOS 18.4, the AI system will be expanded to nine additional languages for the first time. The following will be supported in the future:
- Chinese
- French
- German
- Italian
- Japanese
- Korean
- Portuguese
- Spanish
- Vietnamese
This expansion makes Apple Intelligence accessible to significantly more users and could further accelerate the adoption of the new AI features.
New emojis for more diversity
New emojis are added with every major iOS update, and iOS 18.4 will be no exception. Apple will adopt the new symbols from the Unicode standardization. The new emojis include:
- A fingerprint
- A face with bags under the eyes
- A harp
- A root vegetable
- A leafless tree
- A splash
- A shovel
These additions provide more opportunities for expression in chats and social media.
iOS 18.4: An update with noticeable innovations – also in the EU
iOS 18.4 not only brings minor improvements but also some significant innovations. The update focuses in particular on the expanded Siri functions and the support of additional languages for Apple Intelligence. The new emojis are a welcome addition for users who like to communicate using symbols. The beta version is expected to be released shortly and it will be exciting to see how the new functions work in practice. Anyone who wants to try out iOS 18.4 can register for the beta program or wait for the final version, which is expected to be released in April. (Image: Apple)
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