Apple has just released iOS 18.4 Beta 2, providing new features and exciting updates for iPhones.
This second beta version introduces several improvements, such as updated emojis, a new application for the vision pro helmet, improved notification features and much more. Here is everything you need to know about the latest iOS 18.4 updates.
New emojis
IOS 18.4 BETA 2 includes a lot of new emojis, which are part of Unicode 16.0 published by Google in September. New emojis coming to your iPhone include:
Bags under the eyes, fingerprints, leave without leaves, vegeatble root, harp, shovel, splash and sark flag.
These emojis will be available when iOS 18.4 will be published publicly, expected in April, but developers and beta testers can already take advantage of it.
Priority notifications with Apple Intelligence
One of the remarkable characteristics of iOS 18.4 Beta 2 is the priority notifications.
This functionality allows you to prioritize notifications by appearance. Unlike the initial version, which offered only one approach all or nothing, this update allows you to define the applications that applications should send you the most important notifications.
Priority notifications will be highlighted in a separate section of the lock screen, guaranteeing that you do not lack important messages.
Apple uses Apple Intelligence to determine which notifications are important, but you can always access all notifications by sliding in the notification center. To activate this feature, go to Settings> Notifications> Prayer notifications and switch it.
Vision pro application for iPhone
If you have an Apple Vision Pro helmet, iOS 18.4 BETA 2 will install a dedicated application on your iPhone. The Vision Pro application allows you to discover and download content directly on the helmet, including immersive video sections and 3D films.
You can also find a “My Vision Pro” section in the application, which provides a user guide and advice for effectively using the device.
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 speak or type in Siri, as well as to access Visual Intelligence.
In addition, for those who have iPhone 15 pro models, visual intelligence can be activated via the action button instead of the camera control button.
To access Apple Intelligence’s features in the control center, slide down the upper right corner of the screen, press the Plus (+) panel and add the Apple Intelligence & Siri section to your control center. You can also use the Action button for the iPhone 16 series for quick access to visual intelligence.
Image game image sketch mode
Apple / screenshot by CNET
Apple’s image playing field, the image generator fueled by Apple Intelligence, has a new “sketch” art style in iOS 18.4 Beta 2. The sketch style generates images that resemble hand -drawn sketches with imperfect lines, adding a unique artistic touch. Before, Playground Image had two styles: animation (3D images) and Illustration (Images of cartoons). Users can now experiment these new visual styles to create even more dynamic images.
Ambient music checks in the control center
Another exciting addition is the ambient music section in the control center. iOS 18.4 beta 2 allows you to add control to play ambient sounds like Sleep,, Coldness,, ProductivityAnd Well-being. This feature aims to transform your iPhone into a multitasking companion, offering customizable reading lists for activities such as relaxation or concentration.
Apple / screenshot by CNET
You can further customize these checks by selecting reading lists such as Lo-fi casual,, Soft pianoOr even your own music library.
To configure it, sweep the top right of the screen, press the Plus panel (+) and add the ambient music section. Once added, you can press control to start playing selected music. This feature is similar to the function of background sounds, which helps create a white noise environment.
Other new features in iOS 18.4 Beta 2
Downloads in pause from the App Store:
You can now interrupt application downloads directly from the App Store update list, instead of not being able to do it from the home screen.
Actions shortcuts:
There are new actions for cards, safari, reminders, calendar, etc., allowing new personalization through the Shortcut application. For example, in the cards, you can now switch to avoid busy roads or tolls, while in Safari, you can manage the pop-up blocking and the closing tabs.
Improvements of photo applications:
The section recently deleted on the photos now includes options to once to recover or delete all photos at a time.
When will iOS 18.4 be released?
Although iOS 18.4 BETA 2 is available for developers and public beta-tetors, the final version is expected in early April. As always with beta software, it is recommended to install it on a secondary device to avoid potential bug problems and battery life that often comes with pre-liberation software.
Although there is always the potential of more features to land in the final version, iOS 18.4 Beta 2 offers a multitude of new additions and updates.
Developers and beta testers can already explore new emoji, improved notifications and much more. If you are not a developer or a beta tester, be ready for a multitude of new features to improve your iPhone when iOS 18.4 will be accessible to the public.
