iOS 18.4 Public Beta 2 Released: New Emoji, Priority Notifications, and More
Table of Contents
- iOS 18.4 Public Beta 2 Released: New Emoji, Priority Notifications, and More
- iOS 18.4 Beta Unveils ambient Music, Apple News Recipes, and More
- iOS 18.4 Beta Arrives: Ambient Music, streamlined Wallet, and a Foodie Paradise in Apple News Plus
- Apple’s iOS 18.4 Beta unveils Enhanced Siri Capabilities and expands Apple Intelligence
- iOS 18.4 Beta: New Features Emerge in Latest Release
- Emoji and Expressiveness
- Priority Notifications and Apple Intelligence
- Image Playground and “Sketch” Mode
- Ambient Music controls in Control Center
- Wallet App Streamlining
- Apple News Plus: Dedicated Food Section
- Release Date Discrepancy
- Conclusion
- Unlocking iOS 18.4’s Secrets: An Exclusive Interview with Mobile Tech Authority, Dr. Anya Sharma
Apple has launched the second public beta of iOS 18.4 on Tuesday, giving developers and public beta testers an early look at the forthcoming features.This release follows just over a month after the public release of iOS 18.3, which addressed several iPhone issues. The iOS 18.4 beta 2 introduces new emoji, priority notifications, and enhanced integration of Apple Intelligence features for compatible devices. Apple advises users to install the beta on secondary devices due to potential bugs and battery life concerns.
This beta version is not the final release, and apple anticipates iOS 18.4 will be available to the public in April, though a specific date has not been announced. It is important to note that Apple Intelligence features are currently exclusive to iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max, and the upcoming iPhone 16 lineup.
New Emoji Arrive
A key highlight of the iOS 18.4 beta is the addition of eight new emoji. These emoji were initially revealed by Google as part of unicode 16.0 in September and are expected to be widely available with the final version of iOS 18.4 in April.
Among the new emoji is a tired face with bags under its eyes. These emoji are also expected to appear on Android devices this month and are currently available as a web font.
Priority Notifications with Apple Intelligence
For developers and beta testers with an Apple Intelligence-compatible iPhone, the iOS 18.4 beta introduces a new feature called Priority Notifications.
Apple Intelligence can show you notifications that may be important in a separate section on the Lock Screen, so you can catch up on what you may have missed.
Apple
This feature is designed to highlight important notifications, allowing users to quickly address urgent matters. Priority notifications are turned off by default after the update. Users can enable them by navigating to Settings > notifications > Prioritize Notifications and toggling the feature on. From there, users can select which applications to prioritize notifications from, such as Messages and Mail.
apple Intelligence in the Control Center and Beyond
The iOS 18.4 beta expands access to Apple Intelligence features for users with compatible iPhones. These features are now accessible in the Control Center.
To add Apple Intelligence controls to the control Center, swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen, tap the plus (+) sign, and select Add a control. A new section called Apple intelligence & Siri includes three controls: Talk to Siri, type to Siri, and Visual Intelligence. Users can add any or all of these controls to their Control center.
Visual Intelligence can also be assigned to the iPhone’s Action Button. Users can configure this by going to Settings > action Button and selecting Visual Intelligence to open when the Action Button is pressed.
sketch Mode in Image Playground
Image Playground, Apple’s AI image generator, introduces a new art style called Sketch in the iOS 18.4 beta. This style creates fully colored images that resemble sketches.
Prior to this update, Image Playground offered two art styles: animation, which created 3D images, and Illustration, which produced cartoon-like images.
Ambient Music in Control Center
The iOS 18.4 beta also adds easy access to ambient music controls in the iPhone’s control Center. This feature allows users to quickly play background music while working, relaxing, or doing chores.
Conclusion
Apple’s iOS 18.4 public beta 2 brings a host of new features and improvements, including new emoji, priority notifications, enhanced Apple Intelligence integration, and the Sketch mode in image Playground. While the final release is expected in April, beta testers can now explore these features and provide feedback to Apple. As always, it’s recommended to install beta versions on secondary devices to avoid potential issues.
iOS 18.4 Beta Unveils ambient Music, Apple News Recipes, and More
The latest iOS 18.4 beta, rolling out in February 2025, brings a suite of enhancements to the iPhone experience. From ambient music integration to a dedicated recipe section in Apple News Plus, and expanded default app settings, this update promises to enrich user engagement and streamline daily tasks. Discover the key features and improvements in this thorough overview.
Ambient Music Comes to the Control Center
The iOS 18.4 beta introduces a new way to set the mood with ambient music directly from the Control Center. users can now add controls for Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing, providing instant access to curated playlists designed to enhance focus and relaxation.
To add these controls, users can swipe down from the top-right corner of their screen to open the control Center, tap the plus (+) sign in the top-left corner, and than tap “Add a Control.” A new section of controls called “Ambient Music” will appear, offering the four ambient music options. Tapping one (or all) of these controls adds them to the Control Center.Once added, tapping a control will instantly start playing music.
Customization is also a key feature. Users can change the playlist associated with each control. To do this, navigate to the Control Center settings by tapping the plus (+) sign in the top-left corner of the screen, than tap the ambient sound control you want to edit. Next, tap the playlist to the right of “Playlist.” For example, the default playlist for the Chill control is “Laidback Lo-Fi.” Tapping the playlist reveals more options, such as “Mellow Piano,” “Ambient Unwind,” or even “From Library,” which pulls music from the user’s own collection. Selecting a playlist assigns it to that specific control.
No need to find a playlist to study to now.
iOS 18.4 Beta Arrives: Ambient Music, streamlined Wallet, and a Foodie Paradise in Apple News Plus
Apple’s iOS 18.4 beta is now available, bringing a suite of enhancements to core iPhone functionalities. Users can look forward to ambient music controls for focused productivity, a simplified subscription management system within the Wallet app, and a brand-new, recipe-filled Food section in Apple News Plus. The update also expands default app options and introduces updates to the Podcasts app, promising a more personalized and efficient user experience.
Ambient Music Controls for Enhanced Focus
The iOS 18.4 beta introduces a new feature designed to help users stay focused and productive: ambient music controls. This addition complements the existing Background Sounds feature, suggesting Apple’s intention to position the iPhone as a central hub for both productivity and relaxation. One user highlighted the convenience,noting that tapping the Productivity control makes it “easy to play music while waiting for their coffee to kick in,eliminating the need to make a musical decision at that time.” This feature could potentially impact other music streaming services like Spotify or YouTube, which offer similar playlists.
Wallet App Streamlines Subscriptions and Payments
For users heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem, the iOS 18.4 beta introduces a consolidated view of subscriptions and payment plans within the wallet app. This enhancement simplifies the management of recurring expenses, providing a clear overview of financial commitments. To access this new menu, open the Wallet app and tap the three dots (…) in the upper right corner of the screen to open the dropdown menu. Then, tap “subscriptions & Payments” to see all subscriptions and payment plans associated with the Wallet app. This makes it easier to identify and cancel forgotten subscriptions, potentially saving users money.
Apple News Plus Adds a Recipe-Filled Food Section
Apple News Plus subscribers are in for a treat with the addition of a dedicated Food section in the iOS 18.4 beta. This new feature provides access to a wide array of recipes from renowned publications such as Food & Wine and Good Food,enhancing the value of the $13 a month subscription. The Food section offers several convenient features. Subscribers can save recipes to their devices for offline access, ensuring they can follow instructions even without an internet connection. A new cook mode displays instructions in full screen, making it easier to follow along while in the kitchen.
Beyond recipes, the Food section also includes articles on restaurants and healthy eating tips. This thorough approach positions Apple News Plus as a potential competitor to other publications’ cooking sections, such as the New York Times Cooking section, which boasts nearly 600,000 subscribers and requires an additional $6 per month for access. Apple’s decision to include recipes without an extra charge makes an Apple News Plus subscription more appealing to home cooks and culinary enthusiasts.
Expanded Default app Options
Building on the changes introduced in iOS 18.2, the iOS 18.4 beta further expands the ability to customize default apps. While iOS 18.2 allowed users to change default apps for messaging and calling, the new beta adds options for translation and, in the European Union, navigation. Users can now change the default translation app from Apple Translate to a third-party app like Google Translate. According to 9to5Mac,people in the European Union can also change their default navigation app from Apple Maps to another app,such as Waze.
Podcast App updates
The iOS 18.4 beta brings several updates to the Podcasts app, enhancing the user experience with new widget options and settings. Users can now add Podcast widgets to their home screen with more specific options, including widgets for individual Shows and the library. The Shows widget will play episodes from a selected show, while the Library widget will play episodes from a user-defined list.
The beta also includes two new settings in Podcasts: “Podcasts Settings” and “Notification Settings.” These can be found by opening the Podcasts app and tapping the profile image in the top-right corner. Though, these settings are currently non-functional in the beta, with Apple expected to add functionality in a future update.
Siri, Apple Intelligence, and iPhone Apps
Apple’s iOS 18.4 Beta unveils Enhanced Siri Capabilities and expands Apple Intelligence
The latest iOS 18.4 beta is rolling out, bringing with it a host of improvements centered around Siri and the expansion of Apple Intelligence. Users can now leverage Siri to gain deeper insights into first-party iPhone applications such as Phone, Messages, and Mail.Furthermore, Apple Intelligence is set to broaden its reach, incorporating support for Spanish, french, and Japanese languages, and becoming available to users within the european Union for the first time, slated for release in April.
Siri learns New Tricks with iOS 18.4 Beta
Apple is enhancing Siri’s capabilities within its native iPhone applications through the iOS 18.4 beta. this update allows users to interact with apps like Messages, Mail, and Settings in a more intuitive way. By tapping twice across the bottom of the screen, users can initiate typed requests to Siri, prompting the assistant to offer suggestions tailored to the specific app in use.
For example, when a user is in the Phone app, Siri might display the suggestion: What can I do in Phone?
Tapping this suggestion reveals a list of possible actions within the app, such as making a call or initiating a FaceTime call.While some suggestions might seem self-evident, like the ability to open phone,
the feature aims to provide a comprehensive guide to app functionalities.
Apple Intelligence Expands its global footprint
One of the primary limitations to accessing Apple Intelligence has been device compatibility and regional availability. Though, apple is addressing this with the iOS 18.4 update. According to Apple, Apple Intelligence will be available in more languages, including Spanish, French, and Japanese, upon the release of iOS 18.4 in April.
This expansion marks a meaningful step in making apple Intelligence more accessible to a global audience. Moreover, users within the European Union will gain access to Apple Intelligence for the first time with this upcoming update, further broadening its reach.
Apple wrote online that Apple intelligence will be available in more languages, including Spanish, French and Japanese, when iOS 18.4 is released in April. The tech giant also wrote that people in the EU can access Apple Intelligence for the first time with the upcoming update.
More to Come in Future Betas
These enhancements are currently available to developers and public beta testers through the second public beta of iOS 18.4. Apple is expected to release additional beta versions before the final public release, leaving room for further refinements and potential feature additions.
As the release date approaches, users can anticipate further updates and improvements to both Siri and Apple Intelligence. The iOS 18.4 update promises to deliver a more smart and user-pleasant experience for iPhone users worldwide.
iOS 18.4 Beta: New Features Emerge in Latest Release
Apple has released the latest iteration of its mobile operating system, with the iOS 18.4 beta showcasing a range of new features and improvements. The second public beta, released in early March 2025, arrives just over a month after iOS 18.3, promising enhancements across various applications and functionalities. A full release is anticipated in April 2025. this update focuses on user experience, integrating new emoji, refining notification systems, and expanding the capabilities of existing apps like Apple News Plus and the Wallet app.
Emoji and Expressiveness
The iOS 18.4 beta introduces eight new emoji, expanding the options for digital dialog. Among these is a “tired face” emoji, offering users a new way to express their emotions and reactions in messages and social media.
Priority Notifications and Apple Intelligence
A significant feature in the iOS 18.4 beta is the introduction of Priority Notifications. This enhancement, designed for iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max, and future iPhone 16 models equipped with Apple intelligence, aims to streamline how users receive and manage alerts.The beta also expands Apple Intelligence integration within the Control Center and Action Button, providing more intuitive access to intelligent features.
Image Playground and “Sketch” Mode
The Image Playground receives a notable update with the addition of a new “sketch” mode. This feature allows users to create more personalized and expressive images, further enhancing the creative capabilities within the iOS ecosystem.
Ambient Music controls in Control Center
The iOS 18.4 beta brings detailed clarification and customization options to the Ambient Music controls within the Control center. Users can now tailor their listening experience with specific playlists designed for various activities, including Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing.This enhancement provides a more integrated and personalized music experience directly accessible from the Control Center.
Wallet App Streamlining
The Wallet app sees a significant advancement with a streamlined view for subscriptions and payments. This update simplifies the management of financial details, making it easier for users to track and control their spending within the app.
Apple News Plus: Dedicated Food Section
Apple News Plus expands its offerings with a dedicated food section. This new addition provides users with access to a wide range of culinary content, including recipe saving, a cook mode for easy recipe following, and articles on restaurants and healthy eating. This enhancement transforms Apple News plus into a comprehensive resource for food enthusiasts.
Release Date Discrepancy
It is indeed critically important to note a discrepancy regarding the release date of the iOS 18.4 beta.While some reports indicate a release in early March 2025, others suggest a February 2025 release. This inconsistency may stem from different beta versions or potential inaccuracies in reporting. Users should verify the specific version and release date on their devices to ensure accurate information.
Conclusion
The iOS 18.4 beta introduces a variety of enhancements and new features, from expanded emoji options to streamlined app functionalities. With improvements to the Control Center, Wallet app, and Apple News Plus, this update aims to provide a more intuitive and personalized user experience. While discrepancies exist regarding the exact release date, the overall focus on enhancing user experience and integrating new technologies like Apple Intelligence makes the iOS 18.4 beta a noteworthy step forward for Apple’s mobile operating system.
“The evolution of iOS isn’t just about adding features; it’s about crafting a more intuitive and personalized mobile experience.” —Dr. Anya Sharma
World-Today-News.com: Dr. Sharma, iOS 18.4 is generating notable buzz with its focus on enhanced intelligence features, refined notifications, and a wave of new emoji. Could you offer our readers a high-level overview of what truly makes this update noteworthy?
Dr. Sharma: Absolutely. iOS 18.4 represents a significant leap forward, not just in terms of the number of features, but in how Apple is integrating AI and machine learning to personalize the user experience. The priority notifications, for instance, highlight the importance of context-aware AI, discerning urgently needed details from the everyday digital noise. This move reflects a growing trend in operating systems moving beyond simply presenting information to proactively serving a user’s needs. Moreover, expanding Apple Intelligence functionalities into the Control Center demonstrates Apple’s commitment to making powerful tools easily accessible, enhancing usability for all levels of tech proficiency. the subtle updates—like the new emoji and the refined Ambient Music controls—show a dedication to details that ultimately create a rich digital environment.
The Meaning of Personalized Enhancements
World-Today-news.com: Let’s dive deeper into Apple Intelligence. Many are viewing it as a game-changer. How does it fundamentally change the iPhone user experience, and which features are most transformative?
Dr. Sharma: apple Intelligence’s core strength lies in its ability to learn from user behavior and preferences. It moves beyond simple voice assistant functionalities to offer truly predictive and assisting tools. The fact that it’s now integrated into the Control Center and the Action Button exemplifies this—ensuring speedy access to helpful features. Key transformative components include:
Visual Intelligence: This is a powerful tool that uses advanced image recognition and could become crucial in daily tasks, helping users quickly identify objects, translate text in images, and even simplify complex visual information.
Priority Notifications: By filtering out less crucial notifications, users spend less time sifting through unimportant alerts, leading to better focus and reduced stress.This leverages machine learning to prioritize information based on your established usage patterns.
* Siri’s Enhanced App Integration: its ability to learn what you do in the phone app, suggest relevant actions within existing apps, and provide concise ways to interact with first-party apps demonstrates an impressive level of understanding regarding typical user behavior.
The Evolution of Notifications and Digital Wellbeing
World-Today-News.com: The priority notifications feature is especially fascinating. How does it address concerns around notification overload and contribute to improved digital wellbeing?
Dr. Sharma: Notification overload is a significant problem in our hyper-connected world. iOS 18.4 proactively addresses this with its intelligent filtering