Apple enhances iPhone intelligence with iOS 18.4 Beta 2

Apple is taking artificial intelligence on the iPhone to the next level with iOS 18.4 Beta 2, bringing powerful Visual Intelligence capabilities to the iPhone 15 Pro. This feature, previously exclusive to the iPhone 16 lineup, is now accessible to more users, thanks to Apple’s decision to expand its functionality to last year’s Pro models. It’s a move that many iPhone 15 Pro owners will appreciate, reinforcing Apple’s commitment to delivering innovative technologies across its ecosystem.

The Visual Intelligence feature leverages advanced image processing and real-time object recognition, allowing users to interact with their world in ways that were previously unimaginable. Whether you need to quickly identify objects around you, extract text from images, or enhance your augmented reality (AR) experiences, Apple’s Visual Intelligence works seamlessly behind the scenes to assist you.

One of the most convenient aspects of this feature lies in its activation options. With iOS 18.4 Beta 2, users can trigger Visual Intelligence through multiple intuitive methods:

• Action Button: On the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, pressing the Action Button can now enable Visual Intelligence instantly, making it easier to integrate into daily tasks.
• Control Center Toggle: A new dedicated section in the Control Center allows users to enable or disable Visual Intelligence with a single tap, alongside Apple Intelligence features like Type to Siri and Talk to Siri.
• Camera Control: Users can engage Visual Intelligence directly from the Camera app, ensuring an effortless way to recognize objects, scan text, or interact with AR elements in real time.

For those using the iPhone 16e, Apple has ensured that Visual Intelligence is just as accessible. iPhone 16e owners can use either the Action Button method or the Control Center toggle for quick activation. The added flexibility ensures that users can engage the feature in the way that suits them best.

Beyond simple recognition, Visual Intelligence also benefits accessibility in groundbreaking ways. Individuals with visual impairments can use the feature to describe their surroundings with enhanced accuracy. Whether it’s identifying everyday objects, reading signage, or understanding scanned documents, the iPhone becomes an even more powerful tool for accessibility.

In addition to Visual Intelligence, this beta also enhances Priority Notifications, an Apple Intelligence feature. Now, users can fine-tune notification settings for individual apps, ensuring that important messages and alerts are prioritized while minimizing distractions.

With iOS 18.4, Apple is proving that AI and machine learning are not just about showy tech demos—they’re about making everyday interactions smoother, smarter, and more useful. And for iPhone 15 Pro users, this update is a notable investment in future-proofing their devices with cutting-edge innovations.

Apple’s latest iOS 18.4 Beta 2 release also brings exciting improvements to the Apple Vision Pro app, making it more seamless and comprehensive for users of the cutting-edge headset. Whether you’re an early adopter of spatial computing or simply curious about what the Apple Vision Pro can do, these updates aim to make the experience more intuitive and enjoyable.

The Apple Vision Pro app now functions as a central hub for managing all aspects of the Vision Pro headset, offering users a one-stop location to adjust settings, access guides, and discover new immersive experiences. Apple has designed the app to be user-friendly, ensuring that both new and seasoned VR users can easily navigate its features.

• Easy Setup and Device Management: The app simplifies the Vision Pro’s setup process, guiding users step by step in configuring their headset for the first time. It also allows for quick access to software updates, battery status, and connectivity options.
• Discover Spatial Content: A dedicated “Discover” section in the app highlights the latest VR and AR content available for the Vision Pro. This includes featured spatial apps, immersive videos, and even 3D movies that take full advantage of the headset’s capabilities.
• Guest Mode Support: A new Guest Mode toggle makes it easier for users to share their headset with friends and family. Instead of requiring a full setup process for each user, Guest Mode allows temporary access without modifying personalized settings.
• Seamless Integration with the Apple Ecosystem: The app now better syncs with the iPhone, allowing users to transfer content, customize preferences, and manage Vision Pro-related apps directly from their phone.
• Expanded Content Library: With over 300 3D movies available for Vision Pro users, Apple continues to expand its catalog of immersive entertainment. Users can explore movie recommendations, trailers, and previews right from the app.

These enhancements reflect Apple’s commitment to making spatial computing more accessible and customizable for a wide audience. By streamlining setup processes and curating high-quality content, the Apple Vision Pro app ensures users get the most out of their headset without any unnecessary friction.

With each iteration of iOS 18.4 Beta, Apple is fine-tuning how users interact with their devices, bridging the gap between traditional and immersive computing experiences. Whether you’re using Vision Pro for work, entertainment, or creativity, the new app updates promise a smoother, more engaging journey into the world of augmented and virtual reality.

Beyond the headline features of Visual Intelligence and the Vision Pro app enhancements, iOS 18.4 Beta 2 also introduces a collection of smaller yet meaningful updates that contribute to a more refined and personalized user experience. Whether you’re using an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Vision Pro, these changes signal Apple’s ongoing efforts to enhance functionality across the ecosystem.

Expanded Emoji Set: As part of Apple’s ongoing commitment to keeping messages and digital communication fun and expressive, iOS 18.4 Beta 2 introduces a new batch of Unicode 16 Emoji. Users will find new options such as a root vegetable, face with bags under eyes, shovel, harp, splatter, leafless tree, and fingerprint. Additionally, the Syrian flag emoji has been updated to reflect current design standards, ensuring cultural accuracy in global communication.

App Store Download Enhancements: A notable addition in this beta is the new “Pause” button for app downloads and updates in the App Store. Users can now temporarily stop an ongoing download and resume it later, giving them more control—an especially welcome feature for those managing limited storage space or dealing with slow network connections.

Apple Maps EV Routing Adjustments: For electric vehicle owners, Apple Maps takes a step forward in streamlining route planning with improved EV routing. The update includes new messaging for Tesla NACS adapter requirements, helping drivers of select EVs understand when an adapter is needed to access Tesla charging stations along their route. While the feature isn’t fully implemented in this beta, the inclusion of system messages suggests Apple is preparing for increased charging station compatibility in a future release.

Shortcuts App Updates: The Shortcuts app receives additional automation actions, further enhancing Apple’s App Intents system. New Shortcuts options allow users to control specific in-app settings, such as blocking pop-ups in Safari, closing tabs, or adjusting notification preferences directly within individual applications. These improvements lay the groundwork for Siri’s upcoming enhancements, as the virtual assistant is expected to gain deeper integration with app automation later this year.

RCS Messaging Expansion: iOS 18.4 Beta 2 also appears to be rolling out RCS (Rich Communication Services) support to more carriers worldwide. Notably, some users on the Orange network in France have reported the activation of RCS, marking continued progress in Apple’s adoption of the messaging standard. While RCS support was introduced in the U.S. last year, its gradual expansion ensures more international users benefit from improved messaging features, such as higher-quality media sharing, better group chats, and read receipts.

Apple Wallet Refinements: A small but handy change has been spotted in the Wallet app—a new menu icon in the top-right corner provides direct access to in-app settings, including order management, subscriptions, and payment details. This adjustment makes navigating Wallet’s growing list of financial services faster and more intuitive.

Individually, these updates might seem minor, but together they contribute to a smoother and more adaptable iOS experience. With every beta release, Apple continues to demonstrate its dedication to refining and expanding the utility of its software ecosystem, ensuring that both core features and everyday conveniences are continually improved for its users.

If you’re eager to try out the latest features in iOS 18.4 Beta 2, including Visual Intelligence on iPhone 15 Pro and the enhanced Apple Vision Pro app, you can install the beta software on your device today. However, since beta versions are still in the testing phase, it’s essential to proceed with caution and prepare your device properly before installation.

Before You Begin

• Backup Your Device: Since beta software can sometimes include bugs or instability, it’s crucial to back up your iPhone or iPad using iCloud or your Mac/PC via Finder or iTunes. This ensures you can restore your device in case anything goes wrong.
• Check Compatibility: iOS 18.4 Beta 2 is compatible with devices starting from iPhone XR and later. If you’re using an older device, you may not be able to install the update.
• Join Apple’s Beta Program: To install iOS 18.4 Beta 2, you need to be part of Apple’s Developer Program (for developer betas) or the Apple Beta Software Program (for public betas). These programs grant you access to pre-release versions of iOS.

How to Install iOS 18.4 Beta 2

Things to Keep in Mind

• Battery and Storage: Ensure your device has at least 50% battery (or is connected to a charger) and enough free storage space for the installation process.
• Apps and Bugs: Some third-party apps may not function properly with beta software, and occasional system bugs can occur. If you rely on specific apps for work or daily life, consider waiting for the public release.
• Rolling Back to a Stable Version: If you encounter critical issues with iOS 18.4 Beta 2, you can downgrade to a stable iOS version by restoring your iPhone via Finder or iTunes using a previously created backup.

Installing an iOS beta can be an exciting way to experience upcoming Apple features before the general public, but it’s important to approach it with preparation and understanding. Whether you’re curious about the new Visual Intelligence capabilities or exploring Apple Vision Pro enhancements, iOS 18.4 Beta 2 offers plenty to discover. If you decide to give it a try, let us know your thoughts on the new features!