iOS 18.4 Beta 1 - Apple Is Losing It! - Features, Battery and Follow Up

Summary

iOS 18.4 Beta 1 introduces several exciting updates, such as improved child account setup, enhanced safety features, and a new critical messaging API for third-party apps. However, it also brings some bugs, including performance lags, connectivity issues, and battery drain. Some users reported overheating, while others noticed minor improvements in benchmarking. Key changes include easier SIM card switching, new home accessory categories, and updates to Safari and Mail. Despite a few glitches, iOS 18.4 Beta 1 shows promise, but users should expect some issues as the beta phase progresses.

Takeaways

• 😀 iOS 18.4 beta 1 includes changes to child account setup and age verification, making it easier for parents to manage children's online experiences.
• 😀 Power Beats Pro 2 introduces heart rate tracking but doesn't support music playback while connected to gym equipment, a bug that may be fixed in future updates.
• 😀 The iPhone 16 series has a hidden message in the wallpaper that appears to reference camera lenses with varying circle counts, although this could just be a design coincidence.
• 😀 The iPhone 16e model removes MagSafe, a feature considered essential for many users who rely on wireless charging, sparking mixed opinions.
• 😀 A new critical messaging API allows third-party apps to send critical SMS messages, such as safety alerts, which can be disabled in the settings.
• 😀 In Mail, users can now delete messages without jumping to the next one, improving the overall user experience when managing emails.
• 😀 Safari introduces the ability to view recent searches directly in the search bar, and a new feature allows holding apps to perform specific tasks.
• 😀 The iPhone 15 series supports satellite connectivity through T-Mobile and Starlink in beta, offering remote users an alternative to traditional network coverage.
• 😀 Users report performance issues with iOS 18.4, including lag, reboots, and signal problems, though improvements are expected in future updates.
• 😀 iOS 18.4's storage usage has increased due to Apple Intelligence taking up 7.05GB, leading to concerns over system storage consumption.

Q & A

What are some of the key new features in iOS 18.4 Beta 1?

iOS 18.4 Beta 1 introduces several new features including the revamped child account setup, improved heart rate tracking with Power Beats Pro 2, a new API for critical SMS messages, and enhancements to FindMy, including expansion to South Korea.

What changes have been made to the child account setup in iOS 18.4?

Apple has updated the child account setup process, allowing parents to easily select an age range for the child’s account, which helps manage restrictions and ensure the account is age-appropriate.

What issues have been reported with the Power Beats Pro 2 in iOS 18.4?

Some users have reported issues with pairing Power Beats Pro 2 to gym equipment for heart rate tracking while listening to music simultaneously. This functionality appears to be problematic for certain users.

Why was the iPhone 16e's removal of MagSafe controversial?

The removal of MagSafe from the iPhone 16e was controversial because MagSafe has become a popular feature for users who rely on it for easy charging and attachment of accessories.

What is the new Critical Messaging API in iOS 18.4 Beta 1?

The Critical Messaging API allows third-party apps to send critical SMS messages, which are protected to ensure they are only used for emergencies. This is designed to enhance communication during urgent situations.

How does the Mail app behave differently in iOS 18.4 Beta 1 when deleting messages?

In iOS 18.4 Beta 1, when users delete a message in the Mail app, it now takes them back to the inbox rather than the next message. This change aims to improve navigation within the app.

What improvements have been made in FindMy with iOS 18.4 Beta 1?

iOS 18.4 Beta 1 brings several improvements to FindMy, including its expansion to South Korea, the introduction of a SIM card switcher icon, and enhanced password management features in the Passwords app.

What does the visual intelligence feature do in iOS 18.4 Beta 1?

The visual intelligence feature, available on the iPhone 16e, allows users to access advanced visual processing capabilities, which can be quickly activated via the action button or Control Center.

How have users responded to the performance and stability of iOS 18.4 Beta 1?

The user responses have been mixed. While some users report good performance and stability, others have encountered issues such as battery drain, overheating, connectivity problems with CarPlay, and system reboots.

What expectations do users have for the upcoming iOS 18.4 Beta 2?

Users are expecting improvements in battery life, better stability with reduced system reboots, smoother CarPlay performance, and overall refinement of features introduced in iOS 18.4 Beta 1.