iOS 18.4 Beta 2: Everything You Need to Know About Apple’s Latest Update
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Key Takeaways
- 🆕 Visual Intelligence brings real-time AI analysis to iPhone cameras
- 🎨 7 new emojis added via Unicode 16.0 support
- 👓 Vision Pro integration bridges iPhone and spatial computing
- 🔕 Priority Notifications let you silence non-essential alerts
- 🌍 Multilingual support expands to 8 new languages
Table of Contents
- Release Details
- Visual Intelligence
- Emoji Extravaganza
- Vision Pro Integration
- Priority Notifications
- Control Center Upgrades
- Supercharged Shortcuts
- RCS Messaging Expansion
- Multilingual Support
- Hidden Features
- Device Compatibility
- Should You Install?
- FAQ
Apple’s latest beta update delivers a potent mix of AI innovation and practical refinements that could redefine how we interact with our iPhones.
Release Details
Key dates and build information:
- 📅 Beta Release: March 3, 2025 (9to5Mac)
- 🔢 Build Number: 22E5216h (MacRumors)
- 🌐 Public Release: Expected April 2025 (Zeera Wireless)
Visual Intelligence
Transform your iPhone 15 Pro into an AI-powered analysis tool:
- 🔍 Real-time object/landmark recognition
- 🌐 Instant translation of printed text
- 📸 Save results directly to Notes app
Access via Control Center or Action Button (PenBrief).
Emoji Extravaganza
New Unicode 16.0 characters include:
- 😴 Tired Face
- 📇 Fingerprint
- 🥔 Root Vegetable
“These emojis add nuance to digital conversations” – Business Today
Vision Pro Integration
New spatial experience features:
- 🎥 Browse 3D movies from iPhone
- 🔄 Sync content between devices
- 📸 Curate spatial photo libraries
Priority Notifications
Customize alerts in Settings > Notifications:
- 🔕 Silence non-essential apps
- 📱 Maintain focus during work
- ⚡️ Reduce notification fatigue
Control Center Upgrades
New quick-access toggles for:
- 🗣️ Voice/Typed Siri commands
- 👁️ Visual Intelligence shortcuts
(Source: iClarified)
Supercharged Shortcuts
New automation possibilities:
- 📚 Save Safari articles to Books automatically
- 📍 Location-based Maps reminders
- 📰 Custom News briefings
RCS Messaging Expansion
Now supports Google Fi users:
- 📸 High-quality media sharing
- 💬 Cross-platform read receipts
- 📶 Wi-Fi messaging support
Multilingual Support
Added languages include:
- 🇫🇷 French
- 🇩🇪 German
- 🇯🇵 Japanese
Plus localized English for India/Singapore (9to5Mac).
Hidden Features
- ⏯️ Resume paused App Store downloads
- 🔋 Tesla NACS support in Maps
- 🔄 Streamlined Wallet app organization
Device Compatibility
iPhone 16e now fully supported (PenBrief).
Should You Install?
Pros:
- 🚀 Early feature access
- 🐞 Help shape final release
Cons:
- ⚠️ Potential stability issues
- 🔋 Possible battery drain
Recommended for developers only (MacObserver).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will iOS 18.4 release publicly?
A: Expected April 2025 (Zeera Wireless).
Q: How do I report beta bugs?
A: Use the Feedback app included with beta installations.
Q: Does Visual Intelligence work on older iPhones?
A: Currently limited to iPhone 15 Pro models (PenBrief).
