The iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 Release Candidate versions are now available for download.

iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 Release Candidate Now Available

• Apple has released the release candidate (RC) versions of iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 to developers, allowing for final testing and bug fixes before the public release.

• Along with iOS and iPadOS, RC builds of watchOS 11.4, macOS 15.4, visionOS 2.4, and tvOS 18.4 are also available for developers to download and install via their respective Settings apps.

• These updates are expected to include new features such as Priority Notifications and Ambient Music, with macOS 15.4 offering additional Mac-specific enhancements.

• While available to developers now, the public release of iOS 18.4 and the other updates is anticipated by the end of the month, potentially next Monday, unless further RC builds are released.

Apple has released the release candidate version of iOS 18.4 and several other operating systems, including iPadOS 18.4, watchOS 11.4, macOS 15.4, visionOS 2.4, and tvOS 18.4, for developers to begin the final round of testing and bug fixing. Registered developers can download and install these updates for free on their compatible devices.

The iOS 18.4 release candidate can be installed on all compatible iPhone models through the Settings app, navigating to General > Software Update > Beta Updates, and following the instructions. Similarly, the iPadOS 18.4 release candidate can be installed on compatible iPad models through the same method, which is emphasized to ensure comfort among users regarding the installation process. The new updates aim to introduce features like Priority Notifications and Ambient Music, among others, enhancing the usability and functionality of the devices.

Apple’s macOS 15.4 update brings similar enhancements as the iOS version, along with specific changes tailored for Mac devices that hint at continuous improvement in Apple’s ecosystem. Users can download this update using the Software Update option in System Settings. Like iOS and macOS, the other operating systems, including watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS, also have their release candidates available for installation through their respective Settings apps.

To successfully download the latest updates, it is imperative that users ensure their Apple ID is linked to a Developer Account. Failure to do so will prevent them from receiving the over-the-air update in the Settings app. Apple is expected to make the public release of iOS 18.4 and the other updates available by the end of the month, potentially launching them next Monday unless another release candidate is issued beforehand.

In addition to software announcements, there are some business insights regarding Apple’s procurement of NVIDIA’s GB300NVL72, stating the company is placing significant orders to enhance its server capabilities in collaboration with partners like Super Micro Computer and Dell. There are also speculations surrounding the next-generation A20 chip for the iPhone 18 series, suggesting a performance increase compared to the prior A19 chip while maintaining the same power consumption due to advancements in semiconductor technology.

Rumors suggest that ProMotion support may come to the base iPhone 17 model, providing users with a high refresh rate display. Moreover, discussions around a foldable iPhone expected to launch in 2026 highlight its anticipated limited availability and its shared technologies with the iPhone 17 Air.

Recent trending stories also include various developments in the tech community, such as a captivating incident involving an iPad that served as evidence in a criminal case after being submerged underwater for years and updates about Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra, which promises to address issues faced with the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Further conversations in the tech space discuss improvements announced by Microsoft related to DirectX Raytracing and challenges faced by NVIDIA’s RTX 40 series users.

Overall, Apple’s latest operating system updates represent a significant step towards enhancing user experience and device functionalities, with developers now having access to should-they-need tests before wider public release.