Apple has recently made the iOS 18 beta 4 available to testers. Although it may not include major features, there are a few important modifications that you should take note of.
The fourth beta of iOS 18 will offer users the opportunity to test out a few of the upcoming features prior to the official release. While it does not include Apple Intelligence, which was among the notable features announced at WWDC 2024, there have been some minor updates to the UI and new CarPlay wallpapers. Additionally, more carriers will now have access to RCS.
Despite the many new features and updates in the new iOS version, there have been reports of users experiencing problems with brightness and other features. In this discussion, we will cover all the changes in iOS 18 beta 4 as well as the issues that may arise while using the software.
UI changes
The latest update for iOS 18 beta 4 includes various adjustments to the user interface (UI) of various apps. One notable change is seen in the Books app, where books in the “Continue Reading”section now have a black background (reported by 9to5Mac). Furthermore, the lock screen icon has also been redesigned for iPhones using Mirroring.
iOS 18 beta 4 adds a new animation to the controversial iCloud “subscriber edition”icon pic.twitter.com/6qJyc00PKQ
— Aaron (@aaronp613) July 23, 2024
In the iCloud settings menu, Apple incorporated a new animation for the “Subscriber”badge and made a slight modification to the design of the “Hidden”apps folder in the App Library.
In addition, the flashlight UI that was initially only accessible on the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro can now be found on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus as well.
RCS Comes to More Carriers
The updated iOS version expands RCS to additional carriers, such as Fido Canada, Orange Spain, Orange UK, Rogers Canada, T-Mobile UK, Vodafone Spain, and Yoigo Spain.
Rich Communication Services (RCS) was created to replace SMS and includes features commonly found in modern messaging applications, such as typing indicators and read receipts. Additionally, RCS allows for longer messages and enables users to share higher-quality images and videos.
Minor adjustments
Apple’s latest release, iOS 18 beta 4, includes a variety of useful features that, while not major, can greatly benefit users. These features have been organized by app for easier navigation.
- In Low Data Mode, FaceTime now utilizes additional data when the network is performing well in order to enhance the quality of video calls.
- Suggestions for Journaling: Apple is introducing new features to assist you in reflecting and writing about your daily experiences. These features include landscape mode and reflection prompts.
- Siri: iOS 18 beta 4 enhances the audio quality of Siri in your car with the new feature “Respond over Media Source”. By going to settings, you can enable Siri to use the speaker in your car for improved audio clarity while driving.
- Apple Wallet: In order to combat fraud, the process of adding an ID to your iPhone may include capturing a Live Photo, either in addition to or instead of performing a sequence of head and facial movements. Your device and Apple will then verify the authenticity of the photo to ensure that you are the one submitting it.
Known issues
According to a Reddit thread, many users have encountered various issues after installing the most recent beta update.
According to one user, every time they request Siri to perform a task, their CarPlay crashes. The screen becomes unresponsive and the phone disconnects from the car, only to reconnect a few seconds later. However, the user notes that the CarPlay occasionally does complete the requested task.
“Another individual commented that their iPhone 15 Pro Max experienced a noticeable decrease in wifi speed and the time it takes to connect or load websites, causing them to feel as if they were back in the days of dial-up internet.”
Another individual noted that ever since installing beta 4, their phone would light up at minimum brightness every other time they unlocked it or simply picked it up. They had to manually increase the brightness or lock and immediately unlock the phone in order for it to return to normal brightness.
To experience iOS 18 beta 4 firsthand, you can enroll in the Developer Beta Program. However, as the aforementioned Redditors advise, the beta software is plagued with problems.
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