iOS 18.4 Beta 2 is here, refining Apple’s software experience with smarter notifications, AI-powered photography, and improved automation. This update focuses on usability, efficiency, and personalization, making your iPhone more intelligent than ever. Whether you’re looking for better notification management, new shortcuts, or an improved camera experience, iOS 18.4 Beta 2 delivers meaningful changes. Let’s break down everything you need to know.
Priority Notifications: Smarter Alert Management
Tired of missing critical alerts in a sea of notifications? Apple is revamping Priority Notifications in iOS 18.4 Beta 2, ensuring that the most important messages always rise to the top.
Key Enhancements:
- Customizable Priority Alerts – Choose which apps can send priority notifications via Settings > Notifications.
- Apple Intelligence Filtering – AI now highlights essential notifications separately on the Lock Screen.
- Better Control – Easily manage priority levels with a dedicated menu for notifications.
This update helps streamline notifications, preventing overload and keeping important alerts front and center.
Visual Intelligence: AI-Powered Photography on iPhone 15 Pro
The iPhone 15 Pro now integrates Visual Intelligence, enhancing its photography capabilities with AI-driven scene recognition and optimization.
What’s New?
- Object Recognition & Scene Analysis – The camera detects subjects and lighting conditions, adjusting settings in real-time.
- Smart Capture Assistance – AI suggests the best angles and focus points for professional-quality shots.
- Quick Access Toggle – Activate Visual Intelligence from the redesigned Control Center.
Previously exclusive to the iPhone 16 lineup, these powerful camera features are now available on the iPhone 15 Pro, ensuring your photography reaches the next level.
Redesigned Control Center: AI & Siri Integration
Apple’s Control Center gets a major upgrade in iOS 18.4 Beta 2, making AI-powered tools and Siri integration more accessible than ever.
Notable Changes:
- Dedicated Apple Intelligence Section – A new hub for AI-related tools, including Siri and Visual Intelligence.
- Priority Notifications Integration – Manage high-priority alerts directly from the Control Center.
- Enhanced Focus Mode Selection – Smoother animations and an improved UI make switching Focus modes seamless.
- Action Button Customization – Assign shortcuts like Visual Intelligence activation for quicker access.
These refinements put essential tools at your fingertips, improving efficiency and user experience.
Apple Vision Pro App: Enhancing AR & VR Content
With iOS 18.4 Beta 2, Apple’s Vision Pro App introduces a streamlined way to discover and interact with AR/VR content.
App Highlights:
- Curated VR & AR Content – Explore immersive experiences designed for Apple Vision Pro.
- Seamless Integration – Connects with iOS features for a unified Apple ecosystem.
- Enhanced Navigation – A redesigned UI for easier browsing of augmented reality applications.
Apple continues to invest in spatial computing, expanding AR and VR capabilities for an intuitive, next-generation experience.
New Emoji: More Ways to Express Yourself
iOS 18.4 Beta 2 introduces seven new emoji, adding fresh expressions to your digital conversations.
New Additions:
- Bags under eyes 🫥
- Fingerprint 🆔
- Leafless tree 🌳
- Root vegetable 🥕
- Harp 🎵
- Shovel 🛠️
- Splatter 🎨
These emojis offer more creative ways to communicate while keeping up with evolving digital culture.
Shortcuts App: Expanded Automation Options
Apple’s Shortcuts app gains more automation capabilities in iOS 18.4 Beta 2, making it easier than ever to personalize your iPhone experience.
New Features:
- Priority Notifications Shortcuts – Automate how and when priority notifications appear.
- Enhanced App Integration – More system actions can now be included in custom workflows.
- Productivity Boost – Streamline everyday tasks with improved automation options.
For those who love efficiency, these enhancements make automation smoother and more powerful.
Wallet & Apple Maps: Smarter Payments and Navigation
iOS 18.4 Beta 2 refines Wallet and Apple Maps, making financial transactions and travel navigation more seamless.
Wallet Updates:
- New Three-Dot Menu – Quick access to Apple Pay settings and transaction history.
- Subscriptions & Payments Screen – A dedicated section for managing recurring payments.
Apple Maps Enhancements:
- EV Routing for Tesla NACS Charging Stations – Apple Maps now supports Tesla-compatible charging stations.
- Optimized EV Navigation – Improved route planning with integrated charging stop suggestions.
These updates enhance Apple’s ecosystem, making transactions and navigation even more user-friendly.
MacReview Verdict: iOS 18.4 Beta 2 Brings Meaningful Refinements
iOS 18.4 Beta 2 isn’t just about small tweaks—it enhances the iPhone experience with smarter AI integration, better automation, and improved usability. From AI-powered photography to a redesigned Control Center, this update brings meaningful refinements without overwhelming changes.
Key Takeaways:
- More control over notifications thanks to the new Priority Notifications system.
- Enhanced photography with Visual Intelligence on the iPhone 15 Pro.
- A smarter Control Center featuring AI and Siri integrations.
- Improved automation options in the Shortcuts app.
- Smoother Apple Pay and EV navigation in Wallet and Apple Maps.
These refinements make iOS 18.4 Beta 2 a significant step toward a smarter, more intuitive Apple experience.
What’s Next?
Expect additional refinements in upcoming beta versions before the official iOS 18.4 release. Apple continues to fine-tune these features, ensuring a seamless experience across all devices.
