Apple Releases iOS 18.1 Beta 4: New Features and Improvements

Get a Sneak Peek: iOS 18.1 Beta 4 Now Available for All iPhones

Apple has taken a significant step forward in the development of its latest mobile operating system, iOS 18.1, with the release of beta 4 to all iPhones. This update, which was initially exclusive to the innovative iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max for testing Apple Intelligence, is now available for all iPhones capable of running iOS 18. The release also includes updates for iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS, and the highly anticipated VisionOS. The video below gives us a look at the latest beta of iOS 18.1. The iOS 18.1 beta 4 update brings a host of new features and improvements to the iPhone user experience. With a download size varying from 6-7 GB for devices running iOS 18.0 and nearly 1 GB for those already on iOS 18.1 beta 3, this update promises to deliver a more refined and efficient operating system. One of the most notable changes in iOS 18.1 beta 4 is the revamped Photos application. Users will be greeted with a new splash screen that highlights the latest updates and improvements. For those with Apple Intelligent devices, additional options such as Search, Clean Up, and Create for Memories are now available, making it easier to organize and enjoy your cherished moments. The Control Center has also received a significant overhaul, with a redesigned connectivity section. The new platters for Wi-Fi, AirDrop, Bluetooth, and cell service options provide a more intuitive and streamlined way to manage your device's connections, ensuring you stay connected with ease. Apple has also focused on enhancing the Siri experience in iOS 18.1 beta 4. The Type to Siri feature now offers suggestions based on your typed input, making it more convenient and accurate to interact with the voice assistant. Additionally, when you turn the Hey Siri command off and back on, a new tutorial appears to guide you through the process, ensuring a smooth transition. In addition to the iOS 18.1 beta 4 release, Apple has also rolled out updates for its other operating systems, ensuring a seamless and cohesive user experience across all devices. These updates include: The integration of these updates across Apple's ecosystem demonstrates the company's commitment to providing users with a unified and innovative experience, regardless of the device they are using. One of the most exciting aspects of iOS 18.1 beta 4 is the integration of Apple Intelligence. This advanced AI technology is set to transform the iPhone 16 lineup, offering users an unparalleled level of personalization and efficiency. By leveraging the power of artificial intelligence, Apple Intelligence aims to anticipate user needs and preferences, making the iPhone experience more intuitive and tailored to each individual. As Apple continues to refine and improve iOS 18.1 through the beta testing process, users can look forward to a more polished and feature-rich operating system upon its official release. With the inclusion of Apple Intelligence and the seamless integration across Apple's ecosystem, iOS 18.1 promises to be a significant milestone in the evolution of the iPhone and a testament to Apple's commitment to innovation and user satisfaction.

Everything new in iOS 18.1 developer beta 4

The fourth developer beta of iOS 18.1 adds context-based suggestions for Siri The fourth developer beta of iOS 18.1 is now available for every device that can run iOS 18. Here's what you need to know about the update and the features it introduces. On Tuesday, Apple released a new developer beta of iOS 18.1 for all devices capable of running iOS 18. Previously, beta versions of iOS 18.1 were intended for the testing of Apple Intelligence and its associated features, meaning that the software was only available for iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. The newly released, fourth developer beta of iOS 18.1 is compatible with every iPhone that can run iOS 18.0, including the iPhone XS and iPhone XR, and it introduces some new features compatible with these devices. The fourth developer beta of iOS 18.1 expands support for Apple's new call recording feature. With earlier betas of iOS 18.1, the call recording feature was available only on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Apple's latest developer beta allows older iPhones compatible with iOS 18 to record calls directly within the Phone app. When on a phone call, users will have the option to tap an icon at the top left of the screen, which starts recording the call. When call recording is activated, a spoken message informs all participants that their call is being recorded. Once a call is finished, the recorded audio can be found in the Notes app, along with an audio transcript of the conversation. While the call-recording feature itself does not require Apple Intelligence, users will still need an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max to receive a summary of the recording. The call summarization feature will be available on the iPhone 16 range as well, as the entire lineup features hardware that supports Apple Intelligence. For devices that support Apple Intelligence, namely the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, the fourth developer beta of iOS 18.1 introduces a small but helpful change related to Siri. The type-to-Siri option now displays various text-based suggestions, which change depending on the user's input. With this new feature, the virtual assistant will try to complete the user's question or sentence and ascertain what they might be looking for. For example, typing only the phrase "What's" yields a couple of different Siri suggestions. The assistant provides suggestions in the form of questions derived from user input, such as: "What's the weather?" In doing so, Siri will give users the option to open different apps such as Calendar, News, Notes, Reminders, Shortcuts, Weather, and so on. The virtual assistant has also received a new setup screen with iOS 18.1, along with a few small interface changes and visual enhancements. Apple's latest developer beta of iOS 18.1 features some additional camera-related changes and refinements. The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max can now take spatial photos, while all devices compatible with the update have gained the ability to pause video while recording. It's worth pointing out, though, that the latter is simply a carry-over from the public release of iOS 18.0. The Connectivity section in the Control Center has also received a minor update. Icons for AirDrop, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular data options are now significantly larger and are organized in a two-by-two grid. This change is purely stylistic and does not introduce any added functionality. As a whole, iOS 18.1 developer beta 4 is significant in that it supports all iPhone models capable of running iOS 18, and not just the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Older devices have received new call-recording and video-pausing features, while Apple Intelligence continues to evolve through various enhancements on newer iPhones. Apple Intelligence lets users edit and alter the tone of texts, remove distracting objects from images, and summarize emails, all through the help of generative AI software. Apple's latest iOS 18.1 beta builds upon these features through additional improvements to Siri.

Download: Apple Releases iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, And macOS Sequoia Beta 4 With Apple Intelligence

A day after releasing iOS 18 and other updates to the general public, Apple has finally released beta 4 of its upcoming iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 to developers for testing. If you are a registered developer, you can download and install the latest beta build on your compatible device. If you are interested in checking out what is new in beta 4 of iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1, the builds can be downloaded straight from the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad. Simply head over to General > Software Update > Beta Updates and follow the on-screen instructions to install the latest beta update. The process is the same for the iPhone and iPad, so do not be alarmed. As for macOS Sequoia 15.1, the latest beta 4 can be downloaded through the Software Update section in System Settings. For all of the above-mentioned updates, make sure that your Apple ID is connected to your Developer account so that you can receive the update over the air. If it is not, then you are out of luck as the update will not appear in the Settings app. The updates come pack with Apple Intelligence improvements and possibly new features as well. While the company has released its big iOS 18 update to the public, Apple Intelligence is yet to make a debut with iOS 18.1 and macOS 15.1. The update will hold immense importance for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 lineup, as all older models are not compatible with the new AI features. The same goes for iPads and Macs, as only those models are compatible that feature the company's M-series of processors. Apple will release the update next month with half of Apple Intellugence features and the rest of the features will be available later this year, potentially in December with the release of iOS 8.2. We will keep you posted on the updates, so do stick around for more.

Apple rolls out fourth developer betas of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, macOS Sequoia 15.1

Apple is now on its fourth round of Apple Intelligence developer betas, providing participants with new builds of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1. The fourth iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1 build number is 22B5045g, replacing 22B5034e. The primary difference between the 18.1 and 18 operating system versions is Apple Intelligence, the generative AI and machine learning push by Apple. However, not all of the features of the effort are available in this version for testing. Early Apple Intelligence features that appeared included a new Siri animation, Type to Siri, a better understanding of queries and contextual awareness, product knowledge, and a swathe of writing tools. The third developer beta brought with it Clean Up for Photos, which lets users remove unwanted elements from images. AppleInsider and Apple strongly advise that users do not install test operating systems or other beta or RC software onto "mission-critical" or primary hardware, due to the small chance of issues that could result in the loss of data. Testers should therefore use secondary or non-essential devices and make sure they have sufficient backups of any critical data.