Apple has released iOS 18.4 beta 2, introducing several new features, improvements, and fixes over the first beta. From new emoji to enhancements in notifications and Vision Pro support, here’s what’s changed.
New Emoji and Customizable Notifications
The latest beta adds new emoji, including a person with bags under their eyes, a fingerprint, a tree without leaves, a root vegetable, a harp, a shovel, and a paint splat.
Priority notifications, first introduced in the initial beta, have been improved. Now, users can customize them for each app individually instead of applying the setting universally. These notifications appear in a dedicated section on the Lock screen, ensuring that important alerts are seen first. Apple Intelligence helps determine their priority, and users can swipe to view all notifications easily.
Vision Pro App and Apple Intelligence Updates
For Vision Pro headset owners, iOS 18.4 beta 2 introduces a dedicated Vision Pro app. This app provides access to immersive videos, 3D movies, and downloadable content, even when the headset isn’t connected. A new “My Vision Pro” section offers tips on using the device.
Apple Intelligence now has a dedicated section in Control Center, consolidating text-based Siri interactions and options for Visual Intelligence. The Visual Intelligence feature is also now accessible via the Action button on iPhone 16 models and has expanded support to iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. These models, lacking a camera controller, can activate the feature through Control Center or the Action button.
App Store, Shortcuts, and Other Enhancements
A new option allows users to stop App Store downloads directly from the update screen, eliminating the need to return to the home screen. This applies to both new app downloads and updates.
Shortcuts has received new automation options, including settings for Maps, Safari, Reminders, Calendar, Apple TV, Books, Notes, Voice Memos, and Weather. These actions let users adjust navigation preferences, block pop-ups, manage tabs, and more.
In the Photos app, users can now delete or restore all items in the recently deleted folder with a single tap. The Wallet app has also been updated with a new menu for orders, settings, subscriptions, and payments, accessible via the three-dot icon in the upper right corner.
Device Compatibility and Release Date
iPhone 16e owners can now install the second beta, as the first beta was unavailable for this model, adds NIX Solutions. iPhone 12 models that previously encountered issues with iOS 18.4 beta 1 can now access the update, as Apple has resolved the problem. iPadOS 18.4 beta 2 is also available for affected iPads, including the 8th generation iPad, 4th generation iPad Air, and all M2 iPad Air models.
iOS 18.4 is expected to be officially released in early April. We’ll keep you updated as more details emerge.