Apple has launched the second round of developer beta testing for iOS 18.4, alongside updates for iPadOS 18.4, macOS 15.4, tvOS 18.4, watchOS 11.4, and visionOS 2.4. This follows the initial beta rollout on February 21, with Apple continuing to refine its software across multiple devices.
Key Updates in iOS 18.4 Beta 2
The second beta introduces several updates, including enhancements to Apple Intelligence, the company’s AI-powered assistant. Users can expect improved localization support, a new sketch style in Image Playground, and a Priority Notifications feature that reorganizes important alerts.
This update is available for iPhones as old as the iPhone 12, ensuring a wide range of devices can test the new software. Developers have also noted refinements to system performance and stability, improving the overall user experience.
New Features Across Apple’s Ecosystem
The beta release isn’t just for iOS—other Apple platforms are also getting significant changes:
- macOS 15.4 (Sequoia): Enhanced email categorization and improved integration with Apple Intelligence.
- watchOS 11.4: Refinements to notifications and general UI tweaks.
- tvOS 18.4: New content discovery tools.
- visionOS 2.4: Additional features for Apple Vision Pro, including an educational app to help users navigate the mixed-reality headset.
Apple News+ has also received an update, introducing new food-related content. Control Center now includes Ambient Music controls, and smaller tweaks have been applied to Apple Maps, Apple Wallet, CarPlay, and Podcasts.
Apple’s Advice on Beta Testing
Apple strongly advises against installing beta versions on primary devices due to the possibility of bugs and data loss. Testers should use secondary devices and ensure their data is backed up.
With each beta release, Apple fine-tunes its software, paving the way for a more polished experience in the final public update. As the iOS 18.4 launch nears, developers and early testers continue to explore the new features and provide feedback.
