iOS 18.1 Beta 4 is Out! - What's New?

Summary

In the iOS 18.1 beta 4 update, Apple introduces new features like enlarged icons in the control center and call recording availability on older devices. Notably, the update enhances the emoji keyboard, Siri suggestions, and photo search capabilities. Despite some bugs and performance issues on older models, the update shows promise on newer devices like the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Apple has also pulled iPadOS 18 for M4 iPad Pro due to bricking issues and is expected to release a fix soon. The public release is anticipated in mid-October.

Takeaways

• 📱 iOS 18.1 beta 4 has been released, initially available to developers and soon to public beta testers.
• 📲 This update is now compatible with all iOS 18 supported devices, not just the iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, and iPhone 16 series.
• 🔍 The build number for this update is 22B5045G, and it includes several new features and changes.
• 📶 The control center has been updated with larger icons for cellular data, Bluetooth, Airdrop, and Wi-Fi.
• 📹 Call recording remains available on older devices like the iPhone 11, with notifications to the call recipient.
• 🎥 A new feature allows pausing video recording on both new and older devices that support iOS 18.1 beta 4.
• 😄 Apple has reintroduced larger emoji icons in the emoji keyboard, combining them with stickers and other options.
• 🤖 Siri suggestions have been improved, offering real-time suggestions as you type.
• 📸 Photo search functionality has been enhanced for faster results with Apple intelligence.
• 📱 The iPhone 16 can now restore firmware wirelessly from another phone, a feature that is yet to be fully tested.
• 📊 Benchmarks show performance improvements on the iPhone 15 Pro Max after updating to iOS 18.1 beta 4.

Q & A

What is the significance of iOS 18.1 beta 4 update?

iOS 18.1 beta 4 is significant as it expands availability to all iOS 18 supported devices, not just the iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, and iPhone 16 series, and introduces new features and changes.

Which devices can now install iOS 18.1 beta 4?

Developers and soon public beta testers can install iOS 18.1 beta 4 on any iOS 18 supported device, ranging from the iPhone SE second generation to the 15 Pro Max or 16 series phones.

What is the build number for iOS 18.1 beta 4?

The build number for iOS 18.1 beta 4 is 22B5045G.

How has the control center been updated in iOS 18.1 beta 4?

In iOS 18.1 beta 4, the control center has been updated with larger icons for cellular data, Bluetooth, Airdrop, and Wi-Fi, while the size of personal hotspot, VPN, and satellite icons remains unchanged.

What new feature related to call recording is available in iOS 18.1 beta 4?

iOS 18.1 beta 4 includes a new feature that allows users to record calls, with a notification to the other party, on older devices like the iPhone 11, not just the newer iPhone models.

What is the new video recording feature introduced in iOS 18.1 beta 4?

iOS 18.1 beta 4 introduces a feature that lets users pause video recording, which is available on both new and older devices that support iOS 18.1 beta 4.

What change has Apple made to the Emoji Keyboard in iOS 18.1 beta 4?

In iOS 18.1 beta 4, Apple has brought back the large Emoji icons in the Emoji Keyboard, which combines them with stickers and other options, offering a larger keyboard display.

What improvements have been made to Siri with the new versions in iOS 18.1 beta 4?

Siri has been updated in iOS 18.1 beta 4 to provide real-time suggestions when typing, enhancing the Apple intelligence feature across the system.

How has the photo search functionality been improved in iOS 18.1 beta 4?

Photo search has been improved in iOS 18.1 beta 4, offering faster search results and real-time updates when searching for specific terms or objects.

What is the new wallpaper feature introduced in iOS 18.1 beta 4?

iOS 18.1 beta 4 reintroduces the iPhone 15 Pro wallpaper in the collections, providing users with the option to use it as their device's background.

What known issues are still present in iOS 18.1 beta 4?

Known issues in iOS 18.1 beta 4 include the occasional reversion of the new Siri animation to the old one, issues with control center icons showing shortcuts, and the persistent hearing icon on some devices.

What is the current status of iPadOS 18 for M4 iPad Pro?

Apple has temporarily pulled iPadOS 18 for M4 iPad Pro due to issues that were causing the devices to brick, and they are expected to issue a re-release or an iOS 18.01 update.

What is the expected release date for the public version of iOS 18.1?

The public version of iOS 18.1 is expected to be released sometime in October, possibly mid-October.