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  • New macOS 15.4 Beta 4 and More: Simple updates from Apple

    New macOS 15.4 Beta 4 and More: Simple updates from Apple

    Apple just rolled out macOS Sequoia 15.4 beta 4 for developers. This update comes a week after the last one, and here’s what you need to know.

    Beta 4: Fixing Bugs Before the Big Release

    The third beta last week focused on fixing bugs and making things run smoother. Beta 4, released today, seems to follow the same path. There’s not much time left for big changes since the public version is coming soon—likely in early April, alongside iOS 18.4. That’s just a few weeks away!

    So far, macOS 15.4 brings some cool stuff like:

    • A fresh look for Apple Mail with inbox sorting
    • Seven new emoji for your keyboard
    • Easy device pairing with Proximity Pairing
    • A timer for verification codes in the Passwords app
    • A sketch style for creating drawings in Image Playground
    • Plus a few smaller tweaks

    If anything new pops up in beta 4, we’ll let you know. To get this update, go to System Settings > General > Software Update on your Mac. If you don’t see it, tap the ‘i’ button and check that Beta Updates are on.

    Other Apple Updates: Vision Pro, Apple TV, and More

    Apple also dropped beta 4 for visionOS 2.4, watchOS 11.4, tvOS 18.4, and HomePod 18.4. Developers can grab these now.

    Vision Pro gets the spotlight with visionOS 2.4. It’s adding Apple Intelligence features for the first time, plus a guest mode upgrade and a Spatial Gallery app. For Apple TV 4K, tvOS 18.4 spruces up the TV app with:

    • A big plus button to add shows to your Watchlist
    • Clear episode schedules
    • Updated fonts and icons

    No big news yet for watchOS 11.4 or HomePod 18.4, but they’ll likely get the usual bug fixes and speed boosts.

    What’s Next?

    With the public release nearing in early April, these beta 4 updates are mostly about making things stable. No huge surprises are expected today, but the good news is you won’t wait long to try them yourself—no developer account needed!

    iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 Beta 4 Too

    Apple also shared the fourth betas of iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4. Look for them in Settings > General > Software Update. They bring Priority Notifications to highlight key alerts, a Food section in Apple News+, and a sketch style for Image Playground. Plus, there’s relaxing Ambient Music in Control Center and more emoji. These updates will land in early April too!

  • Apple TV gets new Thread 1.4 support in tvOS 26 beta

    Apple TV gets new Thread 1.4 support in tvOS 26 beta

    Apple has started testing tvOS 26, and one of the biggest updates is support for Thread 1.4, a new version of the smart home networking protocol. Thread 1.4 brings better security, easier device setup, and smoother connections between smart home gadgets. This means your Apple TV can now work even better as a hub for smart devices around your house.

    With Thread 1.4, Apple TV can connect to more types of smart home products, like lights, locks, and sensors, and help them talk to each other more reliably. The update also makes it easier to add new devices to your home network, so you can set up your smart home faster and with fewer problems.

    This change is important because Thread is a key part of Matter, the new universal smart home standard. By supporting Thread 1.4, Apple TV will work better with smart devices from many different brands, not just Apple. This should make it simpler for people to mix and match smart home gadgets and control them all from one place.

    The tvOS 26 beta is available now for developers, and the final version should come out later this year. If you use Apple TV as your smart home hub, this update will help your devices work together more smoothly and securely.

  • New iOS 18.4 Public Beta 3 and more updates from Apple

    New iOS 18.4 Public Beta 3 and more updates from Apple

    Apple rolled out iOS 18.4 public beta 3 today, following yesterday’s developer updates. Here’s a simple look at what’s new in this latest version for iPhone users.

    What’s New in iOS 18.4 Beta 3?

    The iOS 18.4 update is a big one coming soon for all iPhone users, expected to arrive next month. For now, beta testers get an early peek. Beta 3 doesn’t add much in terms of exciting new stuff—it’s mostly about fixing bugs and making things run smoother.

    One small change is in Apple Wallet. There’s a new option called “Preauthorized Payments” (it had a different name before). This spot shows merchants you’ve okayed to charge your Apple Pay for things like subscriptions or automatic top-ups. You can also turn notifications on or off for upcoming payments right there. Other than that, beta 3 keeps the same goodies we saw in the earlier iOS 18.4 betas.

    Highlights of iOS 18.4 So Far

    Here’s what’s been added to iOS 18.4 up to beta 3:

    • Priority Notifications to grab your attention
    • Food and recipe ideas in Apple News
    • A fresh style for Image Playground
    • More languages for AI features
    • AI support in the EU

    Visual Intelligence on extra iPhone models

    • Seven fun new emoji
    • An Apple Vision Pro app
    • More app types for default settings
    • Shortcuts for tweaking app options
    • New Control Center tools
    • Better electric vehicle routing in Apple Maps
    • A spruced-up Apple TV app design

    With so much already packed in, it’s no shock that beta 3 is quiet. Fingers crossed beta 4 brings more surprises!

    Other Beta 3 Updates

    Apple didn’t stop at iOS. Public beta 3 is also out for macOS Sequoia 15.4, iPadOS 18.4, watchOS 11.4, tvOS 18.4, and HomePod 18.4. These updates focus on smoothing out glitches too. One cool perk in macOS 15.4 beta 3: you can grab the Sky Blue wallpaper from the M4 MacBook Air.

    iOS 18.3.2 Hits iPhones

    Apple also dropped iOS 18.3.2 today. It’s a small update with bug fixes and security patches. Check it out in Settings > General > Software Update. It’s been a month since iOS 18.3.1, and this one tackles some streaming playback issues, too. More updates like macOS 15.3.2 and iPadOS 18.3.2 are out as well, keeping your devices safe and steady.

  • macOS 15.4 beta keeps Apple Intelligence storage a secret

    macOS 15.4 beta keeps Apple Intelligence storage a secret

    When Apple rolled out the second macOS 15.4 beta this month, it quietly tweaked something. Now, the System Settings won’t show how much space Apple Intelligence features are using on your Mac’s storage.

    In the earlier macOS Sequoia 15.3.1 version, anyone with an Apple silicon Mac could check this easily. They’d just go to System Settings, click General, then click Storage, and tap the little “i” button next to macOS to see the details. Simple, right?

    But with the macOS 15.4 beta 2 update, that’s changed. According to Aaron Perris from MacRumors, clicking the “i” button now shows nothing extra about the storage macOS is using. The details are gone.

    Here’s a twist, though—if you turn off System Integrity Protection (SIP), the info pops back up. SIP is a security feature that stops unapproved code from running, and you can only switch it off in Recovery Mode. It’s handy for app developers testing stuff, but for most people, it’s best left on.

    A developer named @b3lla_dev on iOS says Apple has locked down the Apple Intelligence files. Unless SIP is off, you can’t see them, and that’s messing with the System Settings’ ability to show their size. Apple Intelligence uses a tool called the MobileAsset framework. This system grabs and updates the bits it needs—like machine learning models—so your device stays current without big system overhauls. Apple’s support page says these files can take up to 7GB on iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

    When storage is low, 7GB is a lot. It could sway people on whether to use Apple Intelligence. Did Apple hide this info on purpose? We don’t know, but users might guess. Perris told Apple about it in a feedback report. The issue’s still there in beta 3, so we’ll see if Apple fixes it. The full macOS Sequoia 15.4 update is set to drop in early April.

  • Apple’s new smart home device teased in tvOS 18.4 Beta

    Apple’s new smart home device teased in tvOS 18.4 Beta

    The latest tvOS 18.4 beta update has dropped some exciting clues about Apple’s upcoming smart home hub. People at MacRumors spotted something called the ChatKit framework in the tvOS code. This is interesting because neither Apple TV nor HomePod has a Messages app right now.

    The ChatKit feature in tvOS 18.4 brings things like reactions and alerts for iMessage tapbacks—think “John didn’t like this” or “Sara added a heart.” These don’t make sense for Apple TV or HomePod, which both use tvOS. But the new smart home hub, also running on tvOS, might use them.

    This “command center” Apple is working on could come with built-in apps, and Messages might be one of them. Since tvOS and iOS share some code, this ChatKit addition could just be a carryover from iOS. Still, it’s new to tvOS with this beta, so it’s worth paying attention to.

    Apple’s smart home device will be a control center for your connected gadgets. Beyond that, it’ll handle video calls, photo viewing, web browsing, music, news, and more. Picture a tiny iPad—just six inches wide—with a sleek, all-screen look. You could place it on a table or hang it on a wall, and it might pop up in multiple spots around your home. It’ll also have sensors to check the room’s temperature or notice when someone’s nearby.

    There’s no set launch date yet, but rumors point to sometime between April and September 2025. This little gadget could be a game-changer for Apple fans who want a smarter, more connected home. For now, the tvOS 18.4 beta is keeping us guessing about what’s next!

  • iOS 18.4: Developer Beta 2 arrives

    iOS 18.4: Developer Beta 2 arrives

    Apple recently rolled out the second beta of iOS 18.4 for developers. For folks in the USA, this update doesn’t pack big changes yet, but it’s a game-changer for users in other regions. Why? It finally unlocks all the Apple Intelligence features that were missing before. We’ve gathered the key updates for you to check out.

    In Beta 1, there were some cool additions, like better CarPlay features, support for robot vacuum cleaners through Matter, and smarter notification sorting. Now, with Beta 2, you can expect a bunch of fixes to smooth out the bugs from the first round.

    If there’s anything else sneaky or exciting hiding in this update, don’t worry—we’ll dig it up and let you know, just like always. This release keeps things moving forward for developers, giving them a chance to test and tweak their apps. For everyone else, it’s a peek at what’s coming when the final version drops. Stay tuned for more!

  • iOS 18.4 Beta pulled for iPhone 12 models and more

    iOS 18.4 Beta pulled for iPhone 12 models and more

    Last week, Apple released the first iOS 18.4 beta for developers to try out. However, they’ve stopped offering it for some devices because of problems. According to Aaron Perris from MacRumors, the iOS 18.4 beta can’t be installed anymore on the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, or iPhone 12 Pro Max. It’s also unavailable for certain older iPad Air models and basic iPads.

    The trouble started when the beta caused some iPhone 12 devices and others to get stuck in a “boot loop.” This means the device kept restarting and couldn’t be used. That’s why Apple always reminds users to save a backup of their iPhone before trying beta versions. Early software like this can have big glitches.

    Here’s the list of devices where iOS 18.4 beta 1 is no longer active:

    • iPhone 12 Pro
    • iPhone 12 Pro Max
    • iPhone 12 Mini
    • iPad 8 (Cellular)
    • iPad Air 4th Gen (Wi-Fi and Cellular)
    • iPad Air 11-inch (M2) (Cellular)
    • iPad Air 13-inch (M2) (Cellular)

    There might have been extra issues with some cellular iPad Air models, beyond just the boot loop. Apple also stopped the first watchOS 11.4 beta for the Apple Watch Series 6. The company is expected to fix these problems and release the betas again for the affected devices, but no one knows when that’ll happen.

    Sadly, this isn’t the first time Apple has had to pull back a beta update because of bugs. For now, if you’re using one of these devices, you’ll have to wait for a more stable version. Always back up your stuff before testing new software—it’s a small step that can save you a lot of headaches!

  • Find My feature now works in South Korea with iOS 18.4 Beta

    Find My feature now works in South Korea with iOS 18.4 Beta

    Back in July, people in South Korea started a petition begging Apple to turn on the Find My feature in their country. Many thought it wasn’t available because of strict government rules, but the petition said that wasn’t true. Apple promised to bring Find My to South Korea by spring 2025, and they’re starting to make it happen now.

    Aaron Perris shared on X that the Find My network is up and running in South Korea with the iOS 18.4 beta 1 release. This is great news for folks there—they can now track down their missing gadgets. Plus, it might stop thieves in their tracks since the activation lock, which depends on Find My, was a big point in the petition.

    We’re expecting the full iOS 18.4 update to drop for everyone in April. It comes with some cool extras like Priority Notifications, a fresh Food section in the Apple News app, and more. Want the full scoop? Check out our guide on what’s new in iOS 18.4 beta. If you’re in South Korea and don’t mind trying the beta version, you can finally use this feature that’s been missing from your iPhone for so long.

  • What’s fresh in iOS 18.4 Beta 1

    What’s fresh in iOS 18.4 Beta 1

    Apple just dropped the first iOS 18.4 beta for developers to try out. It doesn’t have all the Apple Intelligence goodies we were expecting, but there are still some cool updates worth checking out.

    Priority Notifications

    There’s a new feature called Priority Notifications that puts your most urgent alerts at the top. It’s off by default, but you can switch it on in Settings > Notifications > Prioritize Notifications. Once it’s active, Apple Intelligence will highlight key notifications on your Lock Screen.

    Image Playground Gets Sketchy

    Image Playground now has a Sketch style, adding to Animation and Illustration. It used to be just for Image Wand, but now you can pick it as a third option. Switch styles by hitting the “+” button in the app. Plus, the “Winter Holidays” theme is gone, replaced with a fresh “Spring” vibe.

    More Languages for Apple Intelligence

    New languages include French, German, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and simplified Chinese. There’s also local English for Singapore and India.

    Apple News+ Food Section

    For Apple News+ users, iOS 18.4 brings a Food section packed with recipes, restaurant stories, healthy eating tips, and kitchen must-haves. Big names like Allrecipes, Bon Appétit, and Serious Eats contribute content. You’ll find a Recipe Catalog that updates often, a cook mode with step-by-step help, and an option to save recipes offline.

    Chill with Ambient Music

    A new Ambient Music feature lets you add soothing sounds to Control Center. Choose from Sleep, Chill, Productivity, or Wellbeing. Tap one, and it plays random tunes from that vibe. Skip tracks or see what’s playing via Dynamic Island or the Now Playing widget.

    Mail Gets Organized on iPad

    iPadOS 18.4 upgrades the Mail app with categories. Important emails land in the Primary section, while others sort into deals, newsletters, orders, or social updates. This was already on iPhone with iOS 18.2.

    Privacy Dots Stand Out

    Those tiny dots showing camera or microphone use? They’re now on the left of the menu bar with a bold black background, making them easier to spot.

    Siri’s New Accents

    Siri gets two fresh Australian voices to mix things up.

    Genmoji Gets Clearer

    The Genmoji icon on the Emoji keyboard now says “Genmoji” instead of just a colorful smiley, so it’s simpler to find and use.

  • New iOS Update Coming Soon: iOS 18.4 Beta 1

    New iOS Update Coming Soon: iOS 18.4 Beta 1

    We might see the first beta version of Apple’s next big update, iOS 18.4, as early as next week. This news comes from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg.

    What to Expect Next Week

    Next week will be action-packed with the release of Apple’s new Powerbeats with heart rate sensors and the iPhone SE 4. Despite this busy schedule, the iOS 18.4 beta could still appear on February 12 or 13. If Apple decides to wait, the update might come out on February 18, since February 17 is Presidents’ Day, a holiday in the U.S.

    Release Schedule

    Usually, Apple rolls out new betas after software updates, but there’s been a bit of a wait since iOS 18.3, which was released 11 days ago on January 27. We’ll reach the two-week mark on February 10, but Apple sometimes takes longer between updates, especially when they’re packed with new features.

    What’s New in iOS 18.4?

    Rumors are swirling that iOS 18.4 will introduce significant updates to Siri, focusing on what Apple calls “Apple Intelligence”. This includes making Siri more aware of what’s on your screen, understanding your personal context, and improving how it works within and across different apps. Given Siri’s past challenges with performance and accuracy, Apple is likely taking extra care with these enhancements.

    More Features

    Besides Siri improvements, the update might include new emojis, changes to default apps in the European Union, and the expansion of Apple Intelligence features to more languages and countries. Apple has already mentioned plans to broaden Apple Intelligence to additional countries in an April update, so we expect iOS 18.4 to be in beta testing until March, setting the stage for a full launch in April.

    This update promises to be a significant step forward for Apple’s mobile operating system, enhancing user interaction and expanding its global reach.

    Source

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