Skip to main content

iOS 12 developer beta 4 for iPhone and iPad now available

Time to update your iPhones and iPads — iOS 12 developer beta 4 is out now. This beta is one of the last versions to possibly include interface tweaks, so we’ll dig in and see if anything has changed.

New in iOS 12

iOS 12 includes several significant changes for iPhone and iPad including performance improvements, especially on older devices; ARKit 2.0 with shared experiences; refined search and sharing in Photos; more Siri access in third-party apps and Siri Shortcuts based on Workflow; updates to Stocks, Voice Memos, Apple Books, and Apple News; use management features including updates to Do Not Disturb, more manageable notifications, and Screen Time parental controls; Memoji in Messages; FaceTime between up to 32 users; and much more.

We also saw several changes in betas 2 and 3 including:

  • Podcasts app now shows Now Playing indicator on currently playing chapters (chapter support is new to iOS 12)
  • New splash screen for updated Voice Memos app
  • New splash screen for Screen Time in Settings, includes Down Time walkthrough for parents
  • New arrow launcher for Shortcuts in Spotlight
  • iPhone-only apps on iPad now use iPhone 6 version, not iPhone 4 version (…Instagram…)
  • Softer location icon in status bar
  • Time Travel references removed from Watch app –> Clock
  • Clear All Notifications now has a springy animation
  • Can now swipe to clear alerts in one swipe (like iOS 11)
  • Apple Watch Face Gallery now only highlights new Siri watch face updates (previously showed watchOS 4 faces)
  • Voice Memos for iPad redesigned
  • FaceTime effect picker tweaked
  • CarPlay appears to be fixed when using side and backup cameras
  • Watch app now shows third party apps that work with Siri watch face
  • 11 Activity app stickers that animate and do not require Special Challenge to unlock

For a comprehensive look at all of the changes in the first iOS 12 betas, sit back and watch Jeff Benjamin’s 35 minute long look at 100 new features in iOS 12 on YouTube.com/9to5Mac:

New in beta 4?

  • iOS automatic updates suggested during setup
  • Even more new Activity stickers in Messages
  • Setting wallpaper with a photo now resolved, couldn’t reposition before
  • Cellular usage now organized by highest amount of data usage, not alphabetical
  • Activity app has tweaked icons for workouts
  • Tweaked disclosure icon on passes in Wallet (i → …)
  • 1x/2x for iPhone apps on iPad now has expand arrows instead
  • Animoji gains more lip style choices, ear ring colors now have shine

Refresh for updates! We’re updating our iPhones and iPads and digging in immediately. Also share tips at tips@9to5mac or zac@9to5mac.com and on Twitter @9to5mac and @apollozac.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

Author

Avatar for Zac Hall Zac Hall

Zac covers Apple news, hosts the 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcast, and created SpaceExplored.com.