Apple has officially launched the latest public betas for its software ecosystem, introducing macOS Sequoia 15.4, iPadOS 18.4, tvOS 18.4, and other platform updates. These updates come packed with significant feature enhancements, bug fixes, and refinements aimed at improving user experience across Apple devices. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into what’s new, how to install these betas, and what to expect from these early releases.
How to Install Apple’s Public Betas
Before diving into the exciting new features, it’s essential to understand how to install these updates. To gain access to Apple’s latest beta software, you must be enrolled in the Apple Beta Software Program. Here’s how you can get started:
Sign Up: If you haven’t already, visit beta.apple.com and sign up using your Apple ID. Enroll Your Device: Once signed up, enroll the device you wish to test the beta software on. Download the Beta Profile: After enrolling, you’ll need to download and install the appropriate beta profile for your device. Install the Update: Once the profile is installed, go to the Software Update section in your device’s Settings app (or System Settings on Mac) and download the latest public beta.
Keep in mind that beta software is unfinished and may contain bugs or performance issues. It’s always advisable to install betas on secondary devices rather than your primary work machine to avoid potential disruptions.
What’s New in macOS Sequoia 15.4, iPadOS 18.4, and More?
Apple’s latest round of betas introduces a variety of new features and refinements across its platforms. Some of these updates are universal, while others are exclusive to specific devices. Let’s explore the most noteworthy changes.
Redesigned Apple Mail App (macOS & iPadOS)
Apple Mail has received a significant redesign that aligns with the enhancements introduced in iOS 18. The most notable improvement is inbox categorization, which helps users manage their emails more efficiently. This feature automatically organizes emails into categories such as Primary, Promotions, Transactions, and Updates.
Key Benefits of the New Mail App:
Better Organization: Important messages are surfaced first, while promotional and transactional emails are categorized separately. Smart Filtering: AI-driven sorting ensures that urgent messages remain at the top. Unified Design: The new interface matches Apple’s updated aesthetics, making navigation more intuitive across Mac, iPhone, and iPad.
For professionals and frequent email users, this update can help streamline inbox management and reduce email clutter.
Proximity Pairing for Mac (macOS & iOS)
One of the most exciting additions in macOS 15.4 and iOS 18.4 is Proximity Pairing for Mac. This feature simplifies setting up a new Mac using an iPhone, much like how iPhones and iPads can be set up using a nearby Apple device.
How Proximity Pairing Works:
When setting up a new Mac, bringing your iPhone nearby will trigger an automatic pairing prompt. Your iPhone will securely transfer Apple ID credentials, Wi-Fi settings, and personalized preferences to the new Mac. This eliminates the need for manual data entry and accelerates the setup process.
For users upgrading to a new Mac, this enhancement makes onboarding smoother and more seamless.
Ambient Music Controls on iPad (iPadOS 18.4)
Apple has introduced a set of Ambient Music controls in iPadOS 18.4, adding new functionality to Control Center. Users can now quickly trigger playlists optimized for different moods, including:
Chill: Relaxing tunes for unwinding. Productivity: Focus-enhancing music to boost concentration. Sleep: Soothing soundscapes to aid sleep. Wellbeing: Uplifting music to enhance mental wellness.
Image Playground Update: A new Sketch Style has been added, allowing users to generate hand-drawn-like images using AI. Apple Podcasts Widgets: Two new widget types have been introduced, enabling quick access to the user’s Library and favorite Shows. Improved Language Support: Apple Intelligence now supports a broader range of languages, improving AI-powered features for international users. UI Tweaks & Performance Enhancements: Various small interface adjustments and performance optimizations have been made to improve the overall experience.
These new controls make it easier for users to curate their audio environment without navigating through multiple apps.
New Food Section in Apple News (iPhone & iPad)
For Apple News+ subscribers, a brand-new Food section is now available. This section offers access to tens of thousands of recipes, complete with step-by-step instructions and high-quality images.
What’s Special About the Food Section?
legant In-App Recipe Flow: A beautifully designed interface makes it easy to follow cooking instructions. Curated Selections: Recipes from top chefs and food publications are featured. Integration with Reminders & Grocery Lists: Users can add ingredients to shopping lists directly from the app.
This update makes Apple News+ more than just a news platform—it’s now a go-to hub for culinary inspiration.
Priority Notifications with AI (All Devices)
Apple Intelligence, the company’s machine-learning-based assistant, now plays a role in managing notifications. With Priority Notifications, alerts are automatically sorted based on importance.
How It Works:
Critical Alerts First: AI determines which notifications are most relevant and surfaces them at the top of the stack. Less Important Alerts Minimized: Notifications from apps like social media or promotional emails may be grouped under “less urgent.” Customizable Sorting: Users can fine-tune how notifications are categorized.
This feature helps reduce notification overload, ensuring that only the most relevant alerts capture your attention.
Other Notable Updates in This Beta Cycle
Apple has also introduced several smaller refinements across its platforms, including:
Apple Intelligence Expands to the EU: European users now gain access to AI-driven features on iPads. New Default Translation App (iPadOS): Users can now set a preferred third-party translation app instead of Apple’s built-in Translate app. New Navigation Category (EU iPads): EU users can set default navigation apps, such as Google Maps or Waze.
Final Thoughts: Should You Install These Betas?
If you’re an early adopter eager to test Apple’s latest features, these public betas offer a glimpse into what’s coming in future stable releases. However, keep in mind that beta software can be unstable.
Pros of Installing the Betas:
Access to new features before official release Opportunity to provide feedback and report bugs Compatibility testing for developers and power users
Cons of Installing the Betas:
Potential performance issues and bugs Some apps may not function correctly Possible battery drain and instability
If you rely on your device for work or daily use, it’s best to wait for the official release. However, if you have a secondary device, testing the new features can be a fun and insightful experience.
