Apple has started publicly testing its next big iPhone and Mac updates.
Apple has just rolled out the first developer beta for iOS 18.4, giving us a sneak peek into the next wave of software updates. This release comes packed with exciting new features, including the highly anticipated Priority Notifications, enhanced customization options, and fresh updates across the Apple ecosystem. Let’s dive into what this beta has to offer and what users can expect in the coming months.
Priority Notifications: Never Miss What Matters Most
One of the standout features of iOS 18.4 is Priority Notifications, a new tool powered by Apple Intelligence. Using on-device processing, this feature intelligently identifies important updates and surfaces them at the top of your notification stack, making sure you never miss a critical alert.
According to reports from 9to5Mac, the feature is turned off by default in this initial beta, but you can easily activate it through the notifications section in your settings menu. Once enabled, Priority Notifications promises to streamline your digital life by bringing essential updates to the forefront — whether it’s an urgent message, a critical app notification, or a reminder that truly matters.
The Evolving Role of Siri
While this beta doesn’t introduce any immediate upgrades to Siri, Apple’s press release hints at future enhancements for the digital assistant. “Apple Intelligence will continue to expand with new features in the coming months, including more capabilities for Siri,” the company stated. Although recent reports have suggested setbacks in Siri’s development, Apple’s commitment to refining its AI-driven assistant remains unwavering.
More Customization for a Tailored Experience
iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 are set to give users even more control over their devices. For the first time, users worldwide will be able to set default translation apps, allowing for a more personalized and efficient experience. Meanwhile, iPhone users in the European Union, under the Digital Markets Act, will gain the ability to change their default navigation app — a long-awaited feature that aligns with growing regulatory demands for platform openness.
Vision Pro Integration and a New App Experience
For Vision Pro owners, iOS 18.4 introduces a new app designed to enhance the headset experience. This app will allow users to browse the Vision Pro App Store, cue up videos for immersive viewing, and even install apps remotely from their iPhone. This marks a significant step in integrating Apple’s mobile devices with its latest mixed-reality hardware, making it easier than ever to manage and explore Vision Pro content on the go.
Redesigned Mail App for Macs and iPads
Mac and iPad users testing macOS 15.4 and iPadOS 18.4 will notice a redesigned Mail app, which aims to streamline communication with a refreshed interface and improved organization features. While details are still emerging, early testers have reported a cleaner design and more intuitive controls, signaling a welcome upgrade for Apple’s native email client.
Apple News Plus Adds a Taste of Something New
In addition to the OS-level updates, Apple is expanding its services with the introduction of the Apple News Plus Food section. This new feature, available on iPhones and iPads, will provide access to tens of thousands of recipes formatted for mobile viewing. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or just looking for dinner inspiration, this curated collection of recipes will turn your device into a powerful culinary companion.
What’s Next?
As with all beta releases, it’s important to remember that features are subject to change, and some may not make it to the final public release. However, this first look at iOS 18.4 and its accompanying updates paints an exciting picture of what’s to come. From smarter notifications to enhanced app experiences, Apple continues to refine its ecosystem to better serve its users’ evolving needs.
Developers and early adopters can explore the iOS 18.4 beta now, with a public beta expected in the coming weeks. As Apple continues to iterate on these features, we can anticipate even more enhancements and surprises leading up to the full release.
Stay tuned for more updates as we track Apple’s progress — and get ready for a more personalized, connected, and intelligent iOS experience in 2024!
