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Apple releases iOS18 Beta 4, adding Wi-Fi calling and other feature improvements

2024-07-24

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Apple released this morning iOS/iPadOS 18 Beta 4, macOS 15 Beta 4 and other systems. It is worth mentioning that Apple also launched RC versions of systems such as iOS 17.6.



The build number of iOS 18 Beta 4 is 22A5316jAlthough this version does not add any particularly important new features, it brings many functional adjustments. Let’s take a look.



Hide app icons

iOS 18 has added the features of hiding apps and locking apps, in which hidden apps are placed in a specific folder in the App Library. In iOS 18 Beta 4, Apple changed the appearance of the folder from a closed eye symbol to a square outline.



iCloud settings tweaks

iOS 18 Beta 4 adds a new feature on the homepage of system settings:iCloud"The function entrance is the same as the iCloud entrance in the Apple account.



In addition, Apple has added a display animation to the subscription logo on the iCloud page, but the editor has always felt that the design of this subscription logo is a bit rough.



New wallpapers for CarPlay

iOS 18 Beta 4 also adds CarPlay adds 4 new wallpapersThe colors are blue, purple, gold and gray, which are consistent with the style of iOS 18 desktop wallpaper, and also support dark and light color modes.



RCS messaging supports more regions

Apple will add new features to iPhone in iOS 18 RCS MessagesThe feature allows iPhones and Android phones to send iMessage-like multimedia messages over the network (this feature may be named "5G Messages" on domestic Android phones).



Currently, iOS 18 Beta 4 has added support for more operators for RCS messages, including T-Mobile in the UK and Orange in Spain. China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom have not yet received support, but it is expected to be launched when the official version is launched.

Wi-Fi calling

iOS 18 Beta 4 also adds "Wi-Fi calling", but currently only China Telecom users have this switch, and the function does not seem to work properly. Wireless LAN calling is also known as "VoWiFi" technology, which relies on WiFi network to make calls and can be used even if the iPhone has no signal.



New options in camera settings

In the camera settings interface of system settings, a new "Controls Menu” switch (not yet translated into Chinese). When turned on, you can retain the previously used camera tools when expanding the control menu instead of displaying a list of camera tools.



Improved iPhone mirroring on Mac

Mac users who update to macOS Sequoia Beta 4 will find thatiPhone MirroringThe function now allows the iPhone window to be displayed in "larger" size. However, the editor still cannot use an external Bluetooth keyboard to type in the test, and I also hope that Apple will add practical shortcut key support.



New options in Control Center

The new version of iOS 18's control center gradually adds more control options, and Beta 4 adds a newBluetooth power switch, but it is not yet in effect.



Flashlight Smart Island animation optimization

Apple has further optimized the flashlight's dynamic island animation details in iOS 18 Beta 4, which is already perfect. At the same time, Beta 4 also began to provide this animation for the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus models.



Photo application optimization

iOS 18 completely rebuilt the photo app, but the new interface has received mixed reviews and it takes time to get used to it for the first time. Now, iOS 18 Beta 4 has added someTip Cards, telling the user to slide to switch.



At the same time, a newRecovered photo reminder, iPhone recognizes photos and videos that have not been included in the gallery, and users can choose to restore or permanently delete them. Some time ago, iPhone was frequently searched because of the bug of "resurrecting" deleted photos. This function should be the final solution.



The above are the main changes visible to the naked eye in iOS 18 Beta 4. This version does not launch the beta version of the Apple Intelligence function, and it is expected that we will have to wait for the subsequent Beta version.

Although it is already in the Beta 4 stage, iOS 18 still has some obvious bugs, such as some videos in the album cannot be played, and some interface text Chinese localization issues (the switch is displayed as "On" and "Off"). These functions and bugs need to be solved by Apple in subsequent versions.



Apple is expected to launch the second public beta of iOS 18 tomorrow, and iPhones participating in the public beta can be updated tomorrow. Users who have not yet experienced iOS 18 are not recommended to upgrade, because the beta version will be more or less unstable and have poor battery life, so there is no need to take risks with the main phone.

It is worth mentioning that Apple also launched iOS 17.6 RC versions of other systems.



If nothing unexpected happens, the official version of iOS 17.6 will be released to all users in the early hours of next Tuesday or Wednesday.. However, judging from the Beta version of the system, Apple did not add any new features to it, but mainly fixed several system bugs. In short, users who are currently using the iOS 17 system can update it next week. If you plan to "retire" during the iOS 17 period, you can look forward to the final version of iOS 17 released by Apple in early September.

Friends who are currently using the iOS 18 beta version, please leave a message to share your experience or bugs you encounter.