macOS 15.4 and iPadOS 18.4 Beta: AI-Powered Features and Enhanced User Experience

macOS 15.4, iPadOS 18.4, and more public betas arrive, here's what's new - 9to5Mac

Apple has just released new public betas for its various software platforms, including macOS Sequoia 15.4, iPadOS 18.4, tvOS 18.4, and more. Here are the new features to expect. To install the new software, you have to first be enrolled in Apple's beta software program. It's free to sign up at beta.apple.com. If you've previously run public beta software, you should see today's updates inside the Software Update section of your device's Settings app. Be mindful that since these are beta 1 updates for brand new software versions, you may encounter a fair share of bugs and performance issues on your devices. There's a lot packed into these first beta updates, including several features that exist across multiple platforms while some are device-exclusive. Mail redesign: Apple Mail recently got a big redesign with inbox categorization on iPhone. Now, those same changes are available on the Mac and iPad in macOS 15.4 and iPadOS 18.4. Proximity Pairing for Mac: With iOS 18.4 and macOS 15.4, you'll be able to start using your iPhone to more quickly set up a new Mac -- similar to the feature that already exists for iPhone and iPad. Ambient Music on iPad: iPadOS 18.4 gains some great new controls for Control Center. There are four Ambient Music controls that can trigger playlists optimized for certain moods: Chill, Productivity, Sleep, and Wellbeing. You can choose from preset playlists or use your own. Food section in Apple News: Also only on iPad (and iPhone), there's a new food section available to Apple News+ subscribers in the News app. It offers tens of thousands of recipes you can cook with, guided by an elegant new in-app recipe flow. Priority Notifications with AI: Similar to the feature in Apple Mail for messages, your notifications can now be automatically sorted into more important and 'not so important.' The alerts that Apple Intelligence deems most important will get surfaced at the top of your notification stack. There are a variety of other changes in today's updates too: Have you installed the new macOS 15.4 beta or another public beta? How's it running for you? Let us know in the comments.

macOS 15.4 Beta 1: Discover the Latest Mac Innovations

The macOS 15.4 Beta 1 introduces a comprehensive suite of updates aimed at improving usability, enhancing Apple Intelligence, and refining system performance. This release focuses on delivering a better user experience, making sure of regional compliance, and integrating seamlessly with emerging technologies such as Vision Pro. Below is an in-depth look at the key features and improvements shaping this update in a new video from Half Man Half Tech. macOS 15.4 brings significant advancements to Apple Intelligence, making it more responsive and versatile. Siri now operates with improved speed, delivering faster responses and smoother animations that enhance usability. These refinements make interactions with Siri more intuitive and efficient. Additionally, Siri's multilingual capabilities have been expanded, with support for French, German, and Italian. This update broadens accessibility, making sure that users across different regions can benefit from Siri's functionality in their native languages. A standout addition is the new "Sketch" style in the Image Playground app. This feature allows users to create images with a hand-drawn aesthetic, catering to creative professionals and casual users alike. Whether you're designing for work or experimenting with visual content, this tool offers a unique way to express creativity. macOS 15.4 introduces several updates designed to enhance the user interface and overall system experience. These refinements aim to make the operating system more intuitive and visually appealing for all users. These updates collectively enhance the visual and functional aspects of macOS, making sure a smoother experience for both new and experienced users. The Mail app receives a major upgrade in macOS 15.4, introducing a new categorization system that organizes your inbox into tabs such as Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions. This feature streamlines email management, allowing users to focus on the most important messages with ease. In addition to the categorization system, a new loading animation has been implemented, offering a smoother and more polished experience when navigating the app. These updates reflect Apple's commitment to improving productivity tools for its users. Podcast enthusiasts will notice several improvements in the Podcast app. Real-time search suggestions have been introduced, making it faster and more efficient to find content. This feature simplifies the discovery process, making sure users can quickly locate their favorite shows or explore new ones. Customizable podcast widgets are another welcome addition. These widgets allow users to personalize their home screens, tailoring them to match individual listening habits. These enhancements demonstrate Apple's focus on improving media consumption and personalization within macOS. macOS 15.4 strengthens its integration with Vision Pro, Apple's mixed-reality headset, unlocking new possibilities for users. Vision Pro can now function as a virtual display for your Mac, creating a seamless extension of your workspace. This feature is particularly beneficial for professionals seeking to expand their productivity tools. Additionally, Apple Intelligence features such as Gen Emoji are now accessible on Vision Pro. This integration enhances the headset's utility, making it a versatile tool for both personal and professional applications. To align with regional regulations, macOS 15.4 disables Advanced Data Protection for iCloud in the UK. While this change limits certain features for UK users, it underscores Apple's commitment to adhering to local laws and maintaining compliance across its ecosystem. This approach ensures that Apple remains a trusted provider in diverse markets. Beyond the headline features, macOS 15.4 addresses several smaller issues and introduces incremental improvements to enhance system stability and functionality. These fixes and enhancements aim to resolve lingering bugs and provide a smoother overall experience for macOS users. The official release of macOS 15.4 is anticipated in April, with additional beta updates expected in the weeks leading up to the launch. These updates will focus on fine-tuning features and addressing any remaining bugs, making sure a polished final version for the public. macOS 15.4 Beta Sequoia represents a well-rounded update that prioritizes usability, expands AI capabilities, and ensures compliance with regional regulations. From enhanced Apple Intelligence features to improved app functionality and deeper Vision Pro integration, this release caters to a wide range of users, including developers, creative professionals, and casual users. Whether you're exploring new creative tools or optimizing your workflow, macOS 15.4 delivers meaningful improvements to elevate your experience. Advance your skills in MacOS 15.4 Beta Sequoia by reading more of our detailed content.