iOS 18.4 Beta 1: Discover 50 New Features and Enhancements, Including Proximity Setup for Mac and Ambient Music

iOS 18.4 Beta 1 Overview

The latest beta of iOS 18.4 introduces over 50 new features and changes, with some notable additions including:

• Ambient Music: A new feature in the Control Center that offers four different ambient music styles—Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing. Each style has predefined playlists, but users can also customize or use their own Apple Music playlists. The UI is simplified for easy access.
• Proximity Setup for Mac: When setting up a new Mac with the macOS 15.4 beta, users will see a proximity setup option similar to what's available on iOS devices.
• Apple News+ Food Recipes: A new section in the Apple News+ app brings food stories, recipes, and videos, optimized for the iPad’s larger screen. The feature might also be coming to the HomePad smart home device.
• New Photos Filters: Users can now filter photos based on 'Shared With You' status, making it easier to see images sent by friends and family.
• SIL Animation and Brightness: The Secure Indicator Light (SIL) gains a new animation when the Dynamic Island is in use, moving outside of it with a virtual black bezel. It also appears brighter on OLED screens to better mimic an actual LED light.

While the expected new Siri features were delayed, iOS 18.4 remains packed with significant updates.