As Apple continues to refine its upcoming iOS 18 release, the fourth beta version has introduced several exciting features and improvements. This article discover the Basic changes and enhancements that users can expect in iOS 18 Beta 4, offering a glimpse into the future of Apple’s mobile operating system.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Camera App Enhancements
- User Interface Redesigns
- Personal Hotspot Improvements
- iCloud Updates
- RCS Messaging Expansion
- iPhone Mirroring on Mac
- CarPlay Enhancements
- The Future of Apple Intelligence
- Conclusion
Introduction
iOS 18 Beta 4 brings a host of refinements and new features to the table, showcasing Apple’s commitment to enhancing user experience and functionality. From camera improvements to redesigned interfaces, this update offers a tantalizing preview of what’s to come in the final release.
Recent Released: Tim Cook Talks Vision Pro
Camera App Enhancements
New Controls Menu Option
One of the standout features in iOS 18 Beta 4 is the introduction of a new “Controls Menu” option in the Camera app settings. This enhancement allows users to preserve their previously used camera tools when expanding the controls menu, streamlining the photography experience and saving valuable time when capturing those perfect moments.
Basic Benefits:
- Improved workflow for frequent camera users
- Personalized camera experience
- Faster access to preferred tools and settings
User Interface Redesigns
iOS 18 Beta 4 brings several visual updates to enhance the overall user experience:
New Stocks App Icon
Apple has refreshed the Stocks app icon, giving it a modern look that aligns with the evolving iOS design language. This subtle change contributes to a more cohesive and visually appealing home screen.
Redesigned “Hidden” Apps Folder
The App Library now features a redesigned “Hidden” apps folder, improving organization and accessibility of concealed applications. This update makes it easier for users to manage and access their private or less frequently used apps.
Dark Mode Widget Improvements
Dark mode widgets now seamlessly match the system theme, whether in light or dark mode. This enhancement ensures a more consistent visual experience across the entire operating system, reducing jarring transitions between differently themed elements.
Books App “Continue” Widget
The “Continue” widget in the Books app has been updated with a darker aesthetic, improving readability and visual appeal for avid readers.
Personal Hotspot Improvements
In response to user feedback, Apple has relocated the Personal Hotspot settings back to the main Settings page. This change significantly improves accessibility, allowing users to quickly enable or modify their hotspot settings without navigating through multiple menus.
User Impact:
- Faster access to Personal Hotspot features
- Improved convenience for frequent hotspot users
- Streamlined settings navigation
How to iCloud Updates
Redesigned iCloud Section in Settings
iOS 18 Beta 4 introduces a revamped iCloud section in the Settings app, featuring a new “Saved to iCloud” functionality. This addition provides users with a more detailed and intuitive view of their iCloud storage usage.
Basic Features:
- Clearer visualization of storage allocation
- Easier identification of large files and data-heavy apps
- Improved tools for managing and optimizing iCloud storage
RCS Message Expansion
Apple continues to embrace Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging by extending support to more carriers in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Spain. This expansion signifies Apple’s commitment to enhancing cross-platform messaging capabilities and providing a richer communication experience for users.
Benefits of RCS Message:
- Enhanced multimedia sharing
- Read receipts and typing indicators
- Improved group chat functionality
- Better cross-platform compatibility with Android devices
iPhone Mirror on Mac
For users who frequently mirror their iPhone screen on their Mac, iOS 18 Beta 4 introduces new window resizing options. Users can now choose between actual size, smaller, or larger display options, providing greater flexibility and control over the mirrored content.
Use Cases:
- Improved presentations and demonstrations
- Enhanced productivity when using iPhone apps on Mac
- Better visibility for users with different visual preferences
CarPlay Enhancements
New Wallpapers
iOS 18 Beta 4 brings a fresh visual update to CarPlay with the introduction of 8 new wallpapers. These backgrounds are available in both light and dark modes and draw inspiration from the iOS 18 iPhone wallpapers, creating a cohesive aesthetic across devices.
Wallpaper Features:
- 8 unique designs
- Light and dark mode variants
- Inspired by iOS 18 iPhone wallpapers
- Enhanced visual appeal for CarPlay interface
The Future of Apple Intelligence
While iOS 18 Beta 4 brings numerous improvements and refinements, it’s worth noting that the highly anticipated Apple Intelligence features are not included in this release. Apple is taking a cautious approach to the integration of AI capabilities, with expectations set for a broader rollout to non-beta users in 2025.
Potential AI Features for Future Releases:
- Advanced natural language processing
- Contextual awareness and predictive actions
- Enhanced Siri capabilities
- AI-powered image and video editing tools
Conclusion
iOS 18 Beta 4 represents another step forward in Apple’s ongoing efforts to refine and enhance its mobile operating system. With improvements spanning from camera functionality to user interface redesigns and expanded messaging capabilities, this update offers a glimpse into the future of iOS.
While some users may be eager for the arrival of more advanced AI features, Apple’s measured approach ensures that when these capabilities do arrive, they will be polished and ready for prime time. As we look ahead to the final release of iOS 18, it’s clear that Apple continues to prioritize user experience, performance, and innovation in equal measure.
Stay tuned for further updates as Apple continues to refine iOS 18 through its beta program, paving the way for an exciting new chapter in mobile computing.
Feature Comparison Table
| Feature Category | iOS 18 Beta 3 | iOS 18 Beta 4 | Notes |
| Camera App | Standard controls menu | New “Controls Menu” option | Preserves previously used tools |
| Stocks App Icon | Previous design | New design | Updated for modern aesthetics |
| Hidden Apps Folder | Standard design | Redesigned | Improved organization in App Library |
| Dark Mode Widgets | Inconsistent theming | Matches system theme | Better visual consistency |
| Books App Widget | Standard design | Darker “Continue” widget | Improved readability |
| Personal Hotspot | Nested in settings | Returned to main Settings page | Easier access |
| iCloud Settings | Standard view | Redesigned with “Saved to iCloud” feature | Better storage usage insights |
| RCS Messaging | Limited carrier support | Expanded to more carriers in UK, Canada, Spain | Improved cross-platform messaging |
| iPhone Mirroring | Standard options | New window resizing options | More flexible display on Mac |
| CarPlay Wallpapers | Standard options | 8 new light/dark mode wallpapers | Inspired by iOS 18 iPhone wallpapers |
| Apple Intelligence | Not included | Not included | Expected rollout in 2025 |
This complete overview of iOS 18 Beta 4 highlights Apple’s commitment to iterative improvement and user-centric design. As the development cycle progresses, we can expect further refinements and potentially more exciting features in future beta releases.
