Apple is offering a sneak peek at its next big iPhone software update with the release of the first iOS 18.4 beta.
Although it's designed for developers, anyone can try it by signing up as a tester (we’ve outlined how below). But, be warned: some iPhones and iPads seem to be blocked from downloading it.
Here’s a look at what’s new in iOS 18.4 and what it means for your device.
iOS 18.4 beta: What’s new?
Alas, Apple’s latest update is missing its headline feature. iOS 18.4 was supposed to pack an AI-powered upgrade for Siri, imbuing the digital helper with on-screen awareness and the ability to interact with more apps, but there’s no sign of it here.
With talk of bugs stymying its release, we’re now hearing that the perk won’t land until iOS 18.5 in May.
Nevertheless, there are still plenty of other features to play with. Here’s everything that’s included in the iOS 18.4 beta:
Apple News+ Food: Can’t decide what to cook for dinner? There’s a new Food section in the Apple News app that can help with that. Now, you can browse thousands of curated recipes from top publishers like Allrecipes, Bon Appétit, and Serious Eats. It also includes stories about restaurants, healthy eating, and kitchen essentials. Some of the articles are free but, for the full-blown experience, you’ll have to fork out for an Apple News+ subscription, which starts from £12.99 a month.
Priority Notifications: No more scrolling through an endless list of notifications to find the most important ones. Apple Intelligence can now show you the alerts (including emails, messages and updates from apps) that require your immediate attention.
Image Playground sketch: When Apple introduced its AI image generator, Image Playground, back in December, it came with two of three promised art styles: Animation and Illustration. The third style, Sketch, is now available as part of iOS 18.4.
Apple Intelligence in more languages: Apple Intelligence now supports French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese (simplified), along with localised English for Singapore and India.
Ambient Music option: If you’re struggling to get some shuteye or need a blissed-out yoga soundtrack, Apple has your back. You can now access Ambient Music directly from the Control Centre or assign it to the Action button on the side of the latest iPhones, with categories like Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing.
Default App choices: Users can now set a default Translate app, and those in the EU can also choose a default Navigation app. Plus, Apple Maps settings now let you set a Preferred Language.
CarPlay upgrades: Some vehicles now get a third row of app icons on the CarPlay Home screen for easier access.
Podcast widgets: New Library and Shows widgets make it simpler to jump into your saved and subscribed podcasts.
Control Centre tweaks: A new Focus mode picker, a fresh volume-adjustment animation, and a Cellular toggle that shows signal strength in bars round out the latest refinements.
How to download the iOS 18.4 beta
Apple makes it super-easy to get hold of these beta versions of iOS. All you have to do is head to the Apple website, and simply log in using an Apple ID.
The iOS 18 beta is then selected through the iPhone itself, within Settings > General > Software Update.
Make sure you choose the developer version for this latest preview – you can switch to the public beta or the regular version at any time.
Once signed up for the beta programme, the option to install beta software should appear here.
What iPhones support the iOS 18.4 beta?
Surprisingly, a number of Apple devices that support the iOS 18 update aren’t getting the latest beta at launch.
As David Phelan, who also covers Apple for The Standard, reports in Forbes, Apple hasn’t given the all-clear to select iPhones, iPads, and even some Apple Watches. This means certain devices can no longer install the update.
The change was first spotted by MacRumors analyst Aaron Perris, who shared on X: “iOS 18.4 beta 1 is no longer being signed for iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 12 mini. Wonder what went wrong…”
A later update clarified the full list of affected devices, which includes:
If you’re using an iPhone Xs, Xs Max, XR, or any model from the iPhone 12 series (except the affected ones), iPhone 13, 14, 15, or 16 line-up, or a second- or third-generation iPhone SE, you can still grab the developer beta.
