Apple has just released iOS 18.4 Beta 2, bringing exciting new features and updates for iPhones.
This second beta introduces several improvements, such as updated emojis, a new app for the Vision Pro headset, enhanced notification features, and much more. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest iOS 18.4 updates.
New Emojis
iOS 18.4 Beta 2 includes a batch of new emojis, which are part of Unicode 16.0 released by Google in September. The new emojis coming to your iPhone include:
Bags under eyes, fingerprint, leafless tree, root vegeatble, harp, shovel, splatter and the Flag of Sark.
These emojis will be available when iOS 18.4 is publicly released, expected in April, but developers and beta testers can already enjoy them.
Priority Notifications with Apple Intelligence
One of the standout features in iOS 18.4 Beta 2 is Priority Notifications.
This feature allows you to prioritize notifications on a per-app basis. Unlike the initial version, which only offered an all-or-nothing approach, this update lets you set which apps should send you the most important notifications.
Priority notifications will be highlighted in a separate section on the Lock Screen, ensuring you don’t miss important messages.
Apple uses Apple Intelligence to determine which notifications are important, but you can still access all notifications by swiping up in the Notification Center. To enable this feature, go to Settings > Notifications > Prioritize Notifications and toggle it on.
Vision Pro App for iPhone
If you own an Apple Vision Pro headset, iOS 18.4 Beta 2 will install a dedicated app on your iPhone. The Vision Pro app allows you to discover and download content directly to the headset, including sections for immersive video and 3D movies.
You can also find a “My Vision Pro” section in the app, which provides a user guide and tips for using the device effectively.
Apple Intelligence in Control Center
Apple/Screenshot by CNET
Apple Intelligence now has its own section in the Control Center. The new Apple Intelligence & Siri controls include options to talk to or type to Siri, as well as access Visual Intelligence.
Additionally, for those with iPhone 15 Pro models, Visual Intelligence can be activated through the Action Button in place of the Camera Control button.
To access Apple Intelligence features in the Control Center, swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen, tap the plus (+) sign, and add the Apple Intelligence & Siri section to your Control Center. You can also use the Action Button on the iPhone 16 series for quick access to Visual Intelligence.
Image Playground’s Sketch Mode
Apple/Screenshot by CNET
Apple’s Image Playground, the image generator powered by Apple Intelligence, introduces a new “Sketch” art style in iOS 18.4 Beta 2. The Sketch style generates images that look like hand-drawn sketches with imperfect lines, adding a unique artistic touch. Before, Image Playground had two styles—Animation (3D images) and Illustration (cartoony images). Now, users can experiment with these new visual styles to create even more dynamic images.
Ambient Music Controls in Control Center
Another exciting addition is the Ambient Music section in Control Center. iOS 18.4 Beta 2 lets you add a control to play ambient sounds like Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing. This feature aims to transform your iPhone into a multitasking companion, offering customizable playlists for activities like relaxation or focus.
Apple/Screenshot by CNET
You can further personalize these controls by selecting playlists such as Laidback Lo-Fi, Mellow Piano, or even your own music library.
To set it up, swipe down from the top-right of the screen, tap the plus (+) sign, and add the Ambient Music section. Once added, you can tap the control to start playing the selected music. This feature is similar to the Background Sounds feature, which helps create a white noise environment.
Other New Features in iOS 18.4 Beta 2
Pause App Store Downloads:
You can now pause app downloads directly from the App Store update list, instead of only being able to do so from the Home Screen.
Shortcuts Actions:
There are new actions for Maps, Safari, Reminders, Calendar, and more, allowing for further customization through the Shortcuts app. For example, in Maps, you can now toggle avoid busy roads or tolls, while in Safari, you can manage pop-up blocking and close tabs.
Photos App Improvements:
The Recently Deleted section in Photos now includes one-tap options to either recover or delete all photos at once.
When Will iOS 18.4 Be Released?
Although iOS 18.4 Beta 2 is available for developers and public beta testers, the final release is expected in early April. As always with beta software, it’s recommended to install it on a secondary device to avoid potential bugs and battery life issues that often come with pre-release software.
While there’s always the potential for more features to land in the final version, iOS 18.4 Beta 2 offers a wealth of new additions and updates.
Developers and beta testers can already explore the new emoji, enhanced notifications, and much more. If you're not a developer or beta tester, be ready for a host of new features to enhance your iPhone when iOS 18.4 becomes publicly available.
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