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    Apple Releases iOS 18.4 Beta 4 with Bug Fixes and New Features

    EchoCraft AIBy Updated:No Comments3 Mins Read

    Apple has rolled out the fourth beta of iOS 18.4, bringing improvements, bug fixes, and new features aimed at enhancing the user experience.

    Highlights

    Bug Fixes & System Improvements: iOS 18.4 Beta 4 resolves issues affecting Apple Intelligence, notifications, and Siri, ensuring a smoother, more stable experience.
    New Features Added: The update introduces a Nearby Interaction feature using Ultra Wideband (UWB) for real-time device distance measurement, enhanced creative tools in the Image Playground, and an Ambient Music option in the Control Center.
    Developer Enhancements: New StoreKit APIs and broader ecosystem beta updates (iPadOS, visionOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS) demonstrate Apple’s commitment to refining its developer tools and overall platform integration.
    Upcoming Public Release: Although currently available only to developers and beta testers, the stable version of iOS 18.4 is expected in April 2025.
    Enhanced User Experience: The update aims to improve overall performance and user satisfaction, addressing issues that impacted media playback, message delivery, and AI features.

    The update, available for developers and beta testers, addresses issues related to Apple Intelligence, notifications, and Siri while introducing expanded functionality for Live Activities.

    Bug Fixes and System Improvements

    According to Apple’s changelog, iOS 18.4 Beta 4 resolves multiple issues within Apple Intelligence, the company’s AI-powered suite. Some users previously encountered feature unavailability or a persistent “Downloading support…” message.

    Bug Fix Impact Chart (Expected)

    Additionally, an issue required Siri to be enabled for Apple Intelligence to function in languages other than English (US), and a separate bug forced users to reboot their devices for AI features to work. This update aims to improve overall stability and accessibility for AI-powered experiences.

    Notification-related issues have also been addressed, including a bug that caused notifications to flicker or collapse momentarily. Additionally, Siri suggestions that previously failed to execute in certain non-English languages should now function correctly.

    New Features and Enhancements

    Alongside bug fixes, iOS 18.4 Beta 4 introduces a new Nearby Interaction feature, allowing Live Activities to integrate Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology for real-time distance measurement between devices.

    This enhancement enables apps to offer more interactive and precise location-based experiences.

    Other key updates include:

    • Image Playground Enhancements – A new ‘Sketch’ style has been added to the Image Playground, complementing the existing ‘Animation’ and ‘Illustrations’ options, providing users with more creative tools. (Source: PhoneArena)
    • Apple News ‘Food’ Section – The Apple News app now features a dedicated ‘Food’ section, offering subscribers access to recipes, healthy eating tips, and restaurant recommendations. (Source: PhoneArena)
    • Ambient Music Feature – Users can now play relaxing ambient music directly from the Control Center. (Source: MacRumors)

    Developer-Focused Updates

    • StoreKit API Enhancements – New StoreKit APIs allow developers to offer improved in-app purchase experiences. (Source: PhoneArena)

    Broader Ecosystem Updates

    Alongside iOS 18.4 Beta 4, Apple has released beta updates for iPadOS 18.4, visionOS 2.4, macOS Sequoia 15.4, tvOS 18.4, and watchOS 11.4, signaling ecosystem-wide refinements.

    While Apple has not confirmed an official release date, the stable version of iOS 18.4 is expected to launch in April 2025.

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