iOS 18.4 beta 1 – 50 new changes and functions [Video]

In this last episode of iOS decodedPresent 9to5mac Examine everything new in iOS 18.4, including several new functions behind the scenes, of which you may hear for the first time. In our walkthrough there is a practical look at the new proximity setup function for Mac, prioritization of notifications, the new environmental music function and much more. Subscribe to 9to5mac on YouTube for additional iOS 18.4 cover.

Here is a list of five most interesting features that we discovered in 18.4 beta. Watch the video embedded above.

Ambient music

Apple contains a new ambient music function, starting with iOS 18.4. The function, which is accessible via the control center, offers four different ambient music styles – sleep, cold, productivity and well -being.

Each ambient music style corresponds to a certain playlist that is adhering to this style. For example, the chill style offers playlist options such as piano cold, ambient chill, lo-fi jazz and pure chill. Users can adapt these playlists to the control center when processing the switch.

If none of the doses fits your preferences, there is also an option to add a playlist from your own Apple Music Library. And since these are switching of the control center, you can from other places, such as:

The user interface for the ambient music is very similar to a locked takeover of the music app. It presents a simple now playing screen with a game/break, skipping, volume control and airplay control elements. Users cannot indicate any details about artists, album, song or anything else that is usually accessible via the Musik -app. It is clear that Apple Ambient Music is a simple one-click option in order to easily play back a certain style.

Proximity setup for Mac

If you run the MacOS 15.4 -Beta next to the iOS 18.4 -Beta, you will find a new Proximity setup option if you set up your MAC from scratch. This function works just like the current proximity setup for a new iPhone or iPad.

Apple News+ food recipes

The new Apple News+ Food section brings grocery stories, recipes and videos into the news app for news+ subscribers. The function, which is available for both iOS and iPados, looks best on the larger iPad screen, especially for step-by-step recipe instructions with integrated timers.

What is most interesting about this new function is the fact that it clearly has larger ambitions. When digging through beta code, 9to5mac You have given new details that indicate that the Food+recipes may head to the upcoming HomePad Smart Home device from Apple. To be honest, it seems a killer app for a homemade device that may live on a kitchen counter.

Filter new photos

The photos -app received some new functions in iOS 18.4, but one of the most useful new additions is the possibility to filter photos based on the status “Shared with you”. With this function you can quickly see all the photos in your library that friends and family sent to you.

New Sil animation and brightness

The Secure Indicator Light (Sil), the safety function with which users know when critical components such as cameras or microphones are used, a new animation in iOS 18.4. When the dynamic island is used by a living activity, the Sil outside the dynamic island moves, which is surrounded by a virtual black bezel. The SIL also uses the OLED screen to be brighter to better imitate a real LED light.

9to5mac's setting

Although it was once expected that iOS 18.4 would debut the new Siri functions associated with Apple Intelligence, these updates were delayed. But still iOS 18.4 is packed with new functions and changes, and this list of five is only the tip of the iceberg. Be sure to take a look at the full walkthrough for a complete overview of everything new.