The latest betas are available to developers enrolled in Apple’s beta program, downloadable from the Apple Developer Center or via over-the-air updates on devices already running prior beta builds. The build number for iOS and iPadOS 18.4 beta 4 is 22E5232a, up from the third beta’s 22E5222b, while macOS 16.4 carries build 24E5186a, replacing 24E5178b. This incremental rollout—following the first beta on February 21 and the second on March 3—shows Apple sticking to a roughly weekly cadence, fine-tuning features and squashing bugs as the clock ticks toward a broader release.
Public beta versions typically trail developer betas by a short window, often a day or two, and can be accessed through Apple’s Beta Software Program. While these updates are aimed at developers for now, they offer a glimpse into enhancements that will soon shape the user experience across iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple TVs, Apple Watches, and Vision Pro headsets.
What’s Cooking in Beta 4?
So far, Apple’s kept the changelog light on blockbuster reveals. The iOS 18.4 cycle kicked off with notable additions like Visual Intelligence for iPhone 15 Pro models—a feature that uses the camera to identify objects and provide contextual info—and a handful of new emoji, including a tired face with bags under eyes and a harp. Priority Notifications also debuted earlier, spotlighting key alerts on the Lock Screen for quicker glances. Meanwhile, Apple Intelligence has expanded its language support, and Apple News+ gained a dedicated Food section for culinary fans.
The fourth beta, however, appears to lean toward refinement rather than revolution. Posts on X suggest ongoing tweaks to these features, with no major new additions surfacing yet. For macOS 16.4, tvOS 18.4, and the rest, details are even scarcer—standard fare for mid-cycle betas, where stability often takes priority over splashy debuts. That said, Apple’s known to slip in surprises closer to the finish line, so developers are likely digging through code for hints of what’s next.
Why It Matters
These updates aren’t just technical exercises—they’re steps toward a more seamless Apple experience. iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 will power everything from daily communication to productivity on millions of devices, while macOS 16.4 aims to keep Macs at the cutting edge. tvOS 18.4 could quietly enhance the Apple TV’s role as a streaming and gaming hub, and watchOS 11.4 might refine health tracking or interface quirks. For Vision Pro users, visionOS 2.4 promises to sharpen an already futuristic platform, potentially tied to Apple Intelligence features teased in earlier cycles.
For users, the practical takeaway is reliability. Each beta round irons out kinks, ensuring that when these updates hit prime time—likely in April or May based on past patterns—they’re ready for “mission-critical” use. Apple and outlets like AppleInsider caution against installing betas on primary devices due to the risk of data loss, urging testers to stick to secondary hardware with solid backups.
Looking Ahead
With WWDC 2025 looming in June, where iOS 19 and macOS 17 will take center stage, this beta cycle feels like a bridge—polishing current systems while setting the stage for bigger leaps. The absence of headline-grabbing changes in beta 4 suggests Apple’s playing the long game, saving fireworks for later builds or the next generation. For now, the focus is on getting the nuts and bolts right, ensuring these updates land smoothly for millions of users worldwide.
As testing continues, the tech community’s eyes are peeled for any curveballs. Whether it’s a late-breaking feature or a subtle performance boost, the fourth beta round keeps Apple’s ecosystem humming toward its next chapter—due to hit screens this Friday, March 21, 2025, if the publication rhythm holds.
