Many users were excited to explore the new features introduced in iOS/iPadOS 18.4b1 and watchOS 11.4b1, but unfortunately, these updates have led to significant inoperability issues for certain devices. Reports from early adopters and beta testers indicate that specific iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch models have been severely impacted, leaving some devices lagging, unresponsive, or even locked in endless boot loops.
The Apple Watch Series 6 appears to be one of the most affected devices. Numerous testers have found that installing watchOS 11.4b1 on this model has rendered their watches completely unusable. Some reports suggest devices become stuck on the Apple logo during boot-up, with no way to restore functionality. This problem affects all four variants of the Apple Watch Series 6, including both the GPS and GPS + Cellular models in both sizes (40mm and 44mm).
In addition to the Apple Watch issues, iPhone and iPad users have also faced serious complications. Among iPhones, users with the iPhone 12 series—especially those with the base iPhone 12—have reported persistent boot looping, where the device continuously restarts without ever reaching the home screen. Similarly, select iPad models have encountered severe usability problems. Affected devices include:
- iPhone 12 (particular issues with boot looping reported)
- iPad (8th generation, Cellular model)
- iPad Air (4th generation) (both Wi-Fi and Cellular models)
- iPad Air (6th generation, M2-based Cellular models)
It is notable that aside from the more recent M2-based iPad Air models from 2024, all of the impacted devices originally launched in 2020. Whether this issue is tied to aging hardware compatibility, underlying software conflicts, or other technical factors remains unclear. Apple has yet to release detailed findings to confirm the root cause.
For users who have experienced these problems firsthand, frustrations are mounting. Many rely on their devices daily for work, communication, and productivity, making stability a top priority. While beta testing always comes with risks, such severe issues—especially for well-established hardware—are understandably alarming.
Beyond these fundamental usability concerns, some users have also encountered intermittent software glitches, causing additional frustration. Several testers report that their iPhones take significantly longer to respond to touch inputs or that specific system animations stutter, making navigation feel sluggish. In more extreme cases, users state that their devices remain frozen for minutes at a time before suddenly resuming normal functionality—only for the issue to repeat shortly after.
Battery drain is another widely reported issue. Many affected users have noted an unusually rapid depletion of battery life following the installation of iOS/iPadOS 18.4b1 or watchOS 11.4b1. Some have seen their fully charged devices drop to critically low battery levels within a few hours, even with minimal usage. This issue is particularly severe for Apple Watch Series 6 users, with some claiming their watches discharge completely after just two to three hours of normal use.
For iPad users, another frequent complaint revolves around connectivity. Some testers describe persistent Wi-Fi disruptions, where their devices disconnect from networks randomly or fail to reconnect without a manual restart. Bluetooth pairing inconsistencies have also been cited, particularly when attempting to link wireless headphones or accessories such as Apple’s Magic Keyboard. These issues create a significant hurdle for professionals and students who rely on their iPads for seamless productivity.
Perhaps one of the more alarming problems involves device restoration failures. Some users attempting to roll back to stable software versions or restore their devices via recovery mode have encountered persistent errors, leaving them temporarily unable to regain access to their data. In a few instances, users turning to Apple Support for guidance have been advised that their devices may require servicing to recover functionality—an unsettling development, especially for beta testers who understand the risks but rely on troubleshooting methods that have historically worked.
As reports continue to flood forums and social media channels, Apple remains under increasing pressure to acknowledge these widespread issues and offer a clear course of action. While beta software is inherently unpredictable, the severity of these particular problems has led some users to question the stability of recent developer previews. For those who have yet to install these updates, caution remains the best approach until Apple addresses these concerns.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Apple has taken swift action by pulling iOS/iPadOS 18.4b1 and watchOS 11.4b1 from availability for certain impacted devices. This decision came after numerous complaints flooded Apple’s developer forums and social media channels, with users expressing serious concerns over device functionality. The extent of the problems—ranging from boot loops to total inoperability—prompted the company to stop distributing the affected beta versions while they investigate the underlying issues.
For impacted Apple Watch users, the removal of watchOS 11.4b1 from circulation particularly affects testers using an Apple Watch Series 6. For iPhones and iPads, iOS 18.4b1 was pulled from availability for certain models, including the iPhone 12 series, the eighth-generation cellular iPad, fourth-generation iPad Air, and the latest sixth-generation M2-based iPad Air. The fact that Apple has taken such an unprecedented step mid-beta cycle underscores the severity of the issues at play.
Apple has yet to provide an official, detailed explanation regarding the cause of these problems. However, early developer speculation suggests that a deeper software conflict within the latest builds may be triggering unexpected compatibility failures, particularly for devices with older hardware. Given that many of the affected devices were originally released in 2020, some users speculate that a misalignment between system-level optimizations in 18.4b1 and certain older chipsets could be at fault. However, until Apple issues a formal statement, their internal investigation remains ongoing.
Apple’s decision to retract these updates also presents challenges for users who have already installed them. Some testers facing device inoperability issues had hoped that Apple would quickly provide a hotfix or an immediate follow-up beta to mitigate the damage. However, with the beta now pulled from circulation, users currently stuck with malfunctioning devices may have limited options—especially those whose Apple Watches have been rendered completely unresponsive. Given that Apple Watch devices cannot be manually downgraded without taking them to an Apple Store or authorized service center, affected users may have no direct means of restoring functionality until Apple provides an alternate resolution.
For iPhone and iPad users experiencing boot loops or system instability, the retraction of iOS 18.4b1 means that Apple will likely release an amended beta build before resuming the update cycle. In the meantime, Apple has encouraged affected users to report their issues using the Feedback Assistant tool, helping engineers gather critical data to pinpoint the root cause of the problems. For developers who rely on these betas for testing app compatibility, this pause interrupts workflow, potentially delaying adaptation to upcoming iOS and iPadOS changes.
While pulling problematic beta software is not unheard of, Apple’s decision to do so this early in the beta cycle indicates that these issues exceed the standard level of risk that comes with testing pre-release software. Until a revised beta is released, users should exercise caution before installing any future updates—and for those who have yet to install iOS 18.4b1 or watchOS 11.4b1, avoiding them altogether remains the safest course of action.
For users who have already installed iOS/iPadOS 18.4b1 or watchOS 11.4b1 and are experiencing severe issues, it’s understandable that frustration levels are high. Having your device suddenly become unreliable—or worse, entirely unusable—is undeniably stressful. While Apple has pulled the beta for specific device models, those who’ve already installed it may need immediate solutions. Below are some steps that could help restore functionality to affected devices.
- Restart Your Device: If your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch is still somewhat responsive, attempt a regular restart. For iPhones and iPads, hold the Side button and either Volume button until the power slider appears, then slide to power off. For Apple Watches, press and hold the Side button until the power off option appears.
- Perform a Force Restart: If a normal restart does not resolve the issue, a force restart might help reset minor software glitches.
- For iPhones with Face ID (including iPhone 12 models): Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button, and then press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
- For iPads with Face ID: Follow the same steps as Face ID iPhones.
- For Apple Watch: Press and hold both the Digital Crown and the Side button simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.
- Restore via Recovery Mode (iPhones and iPads Only): If your device is stuck in a boot loop or remains unresponsive, placing it into recovery mode and reinstalling iOS/iPadOS could help.
- Connect your device to a Mac or PC.
- Put your device into recovery mode:
- For iPhone 12 or later: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, quickly press and release Volume Down, and then press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery mode screen.
- For iPads with Face ID: Follow the same method as iPhones with Face ID.
- Once in recovery mode, a prompt will appear on your computer asking if you’d like to “Update” or “Restore” the device. Select “Restore” to reinstall the latest stable iOS/iPadOS version.
- Warning: This process erases your device completely, so proceed only if you have a backup.
- Seek Apple Support for Apple Watch Issues: Unlike iPhones and iPads, the Apple Watch cannot be restored to a previous watchOS version by users. If your Apple Watch has been rendered inoperable by watchOS 11.4b1, your best course of action is to contact Apple Support. You may need to bring your device to an Apple Store or an authorized repair center for servicing.
- Downgrade Back to a Stable Version (iPhone and iPad Only): If your device is not entirely broken but experiencing major instability, you may consider downgrading to iOS/iPadOS 18.3 or the latest official release.
- Ensure you have a backup before proceeding.
- Download the IPSW file for your device’s previous stable software version from a trusted source.
- Use Finder (on macOS) or iTunes (on Windows) to reinstall the stable version by entering recovery mode, selecting the IPSW file, and following the on-screen prompts.
- Once complete, restore your backup via iCloud or a local backup from your computer.
- Monitor Apple’s Software Updates: Since Apple has acknowledged these issues by retracting the beta updates, it’s likely that a revised version of iOS/iPadOS 18.4b1 and watchOS 11.4b1 will be released soon. Check for software updates regularly to see if a patched version is available.
- Report Issues via Feedback Assistant: If you are a registered developer or public beta tester, it’s highly recommended to submit bug reports using the Feedback Assistant app. Your feedback can contribute to a faster resolution.
While these issues are undoubtedly frustrating, it’s important to remember that beta software is inherently unstable and designed primarily for testing. If your primary device is affected, consider opting out of future beta releases unless participating in testing is necessary. Apple’s quick response to retract the beta suggests they are actively working on a resolution, so a fix should be expected soon. In the meantime, taking the steps outlined above should help alleviate some of the most urgent concerns.
