Today, Apple unveiled the second beta of iOS 18.4, introducing a plethora of exciting features that extend beyond those available in the initial beta version. Users can look forward to fresh emoji designs, an innovative app geared towards Vision Pro users, and various smaller enhancements.
Exciting New Emoji
The latest iOS update introduces several vibrant new emoji characters such as eye bags, a fingerprint symbol, a leafless tree representation, root vegetables like carrots or potatoes, a harp image for music lovers, gardening tools like shovels and even playful splatter icons.
Enhanced Notification Management
Following the introduction of the Prioritize Notifications feature in the first beta release, this latest iteration allows users to customize notification settings for each individual app rather than applying a universal toggle on or off approach. Priority Notifications now appear consolidated within their own section on the Lock Screen to ensure they are prominently displayed at first glance.
This system utilizes Apple Intelligence algorithms to determine which notifications warrant priority designation while still granting access via swiping up into Notification Center for all alerts.
Introducing Vision Pro App
If you’re utilizing an Apple Vision Pro headset with your phone post-installation of iOS 18.4.b., you will discover a dedicated app that facilitates exploration and downloading content specifically tailored for use with your headset.
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Updates to Control Center Featuring Apple Intelligence
Enhancements in iOS 18.4: A Closer Look at New Features
Introduction of the Visual Intelligence Action Button
Apple has introduced an innovative Action Button feature that enables users to activate Visual Intelligence directly on the iPhone 16 series. This new functionality serves as an alternative to the existing Camera Control button, providing a streamlined experience for capturing images using powerful AI capabilities.
Visual Intelligence Expands to iPhone 15 Pro Models
In a notable development, Visual Intelligence is now also accessible on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models. This marks a significant shift as it’s the first time Apple has offered this advanced feature on devices outside of its latest lineup, enhancing functionality for a broader user base.
Given that the iPhone 15 Pro models lack a dedicated Camera Control button, users can easily toggle Visual Intelligence through their Control Center or by utilizing this new Action Button.
Convenient App Store Download Management
The latest updates in iOS now allow users to pause ongoing app downloads directly from their update list within the App Store. Previously, users were confined to entirely stopping or restarting installations via app icons found on their Home Screen. The current ability to put downloads on hold improves user flexibility and control over how apps are managed during installation.
This change applies not only to fresh app downloads but also extends seamlessly to updates already in progress.
!app settings. These changes enable smoother automation workflows and offer more robust customization options within different applications.
!enriching user interaction with their devices. By simplifying tasks and expanding functionality across older models, Apple continues to innovate while prioritizing accessibility for all its customers.
Exploring the New Features of iOS 18.4
The recent update of iOS 18.4 has brought a host of features aimed at enhancing user experience across various applications, including Maps, Safari, and Wallet. Below are some notable improvements and functionalities that users can look forward to.
Enhanced Map Functionality
Customizing Routes
The Maps application offers enhanced route options to enhance travel convenience. Users can now select preferences for avoiding busy roads or tolls, adjust volume settings, and even direct audio through their car’s radio system.
Comprehensive App Settings
There are customizable options available not just in Maps but across several apps such as Safari, Reminders, Calendar, Apple TV, Books, Notes, Voice Memos, and Weather—allowing for tailored app functionality according to individual preferences.
Photos App Overhaul
Quick Photo Management
One significant improvement in the Photos app is the streamlined Recently Deleted section. Users have a simplified option that allows them to either recover all deleted photos or permanently erase them with just one tap—making photo management easier than ever.
Wallet App Improvements
New Menu Options
A revamped interface in the Wallet app introduces a new menu containing vital sections like Orders, Settings, and Subscriptions & Payments accessed via three dots located at the top right corner—a feature that previously focused solely on package tracking.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Support Updates in Apple Maps
Apple is set to expand its EV routing support within Apple Maps by incorporating compatibility with North American Charging System (NACS). Currently only compatible with select vehicles like some Ford models and Porsche Taycan models—the upgrade will soon permit navigation towards NACS chargers alongside CCS stations.
For reference: Tesla Superchargers belong to the NACS category; however presently they are not integrated into Apple’s EV charging features within the mapping application.
Expanded Device Compatibility
Support for iPhone Models
With this beta release of iOS 18.4 starting from beta stage two onwards—which includes support for newly launched devices such as the iPhone 16e—users can now effectively explore its features without any interruptions.
However prior versions faced issues where beta version one caused some difficulty integrating with certain iPhone 12 models requiring temporary removal until fixes could be rolled out successfully in subsequent updates on this device line-up also available on selected iPads including eighth gen models along with M2 configurations now receiving later updates seamlessly too!
Expected Release Timeline
Anticipation surrounds an early April public launch for iOS 18.4—marking another significant update geared towards improving overall user satisfaction through additional customization capabilities across Apple’s suite of services!