Apple has officially seeded the release candidate (RC) builds for iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, macOS 15.4, and several other platforms. These builds typically mark the final step before a public launch, signaling that the software is nearly ready for prime time.
Alongside iOS and macOS updates, RC versions of tvOS 18.4, watchOS 11.4, and visionOS 2.4 have also been released to developers. The new RC builds follow several weeks of beta testing, with the first developer builds arriving back in February.
What’s New in iOS 18.4 and macOS 15.4
The iOS 18.4 release introduces several new features powered by Apple Intelligence. These include improved notification controls, added support for new sketch styles in Image Playground, and more localized features.
Control Center now includes new Ambient Music tools, while Apple News+ adds food content. Updates to Apple Maps, Wallet, CarPlay, and Siri enhance usability across devices. Meanwhile, the iPadOS build also adds on-device email categorization, a feature mirrored in macOS 15.4.
Apple Vision Pro receives updates as well. A new app helps users discover content and better understand the headset’s features.
More Platforms See Upgrades
For iPhone 15 Pro users, the second beta introduced “Visual Intelligence”—a feature that enhances how the phone processes visual content. Emoji fans can also enjoy new additions, including unique designs like splatters and fingerprints.
The App Store now offers a “pause” download option. Changes to the Shortcuts app and Wallet menu add convenience, and CarPlay hints at future support for EV route planning.
Beta Testers Cautioned
Apple reminds users not to install beta software on essential devices. Despite nearing final release, bugs can still affect performance or cause data loss. Testers are urged to use secondary hardware and back up data beforehand.
The final public versions of these updates are expected to roll out soon—bringing a fresh wave of improvements to the Apple ecosystem.
