Apple concluded its iOS 18.3 beta phase a few weeks ago, and typically we would have seen new betas by now. However, we are still on the lookout for iOS 18.4 beta 1. Thankfully, the wait is expected to be over soon.
The first beta for iOS 18.4 is anticipated within the upcoming week
Apple’s software release pattern is generally quite consistent, with new betas typically surfacing within a few days of a major public software release.
This instance has deviated from that norm, as iOS 18.3 was released at the end of January, yet we find ourselves in mid-February without any new betas.
However, it seems that the wait is nearly over.
Last week, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman indicated that he believes the iOS 18.4 beta will likely be released between the “middle of next week [this week] and the early following week.”
This week has come and gone without a beta release. However, early next week seems promising.
Monday, February 17 is President’s Day in the United States, so a beta release on that day is unlikely.
Wednesday, February 19 marks Apple’s special product launch, making it improbable for iOS 18.4 to overshadow that event.
This suggests that, if Gurman’s forecast holds true, next Tuesday, February 18 could be the date for the iOS 18.4 beta launch.
There’s a chance it might slip to later in the week, but a release in the next week appears quite likely.
Why? Because Apple has announced that iOS 18.4 is set for a public release in April, implying that beta testing must commence soon for the various enhancements related to Apple Intelligence and Siri.
Extended waits between beta releases are uncommon, though not unheard of
Although it is atypical to experience a three-week gap between beta releases, this scenario has occurred in the recent past.
Here’s a summary of the last three winters regarding software releases:
2024
- iOS 17.3 launch: Monday, January 22
- iOS 17.4 beta 1: Thursday, January 25
2023
- iOS 16.3 launch: Monday, January 23
- iOS 16.4 beta 1: Thursday, February 16
2022
- iOS 15.3 launch: Wednesday, January 26
- iOS 15.4 beta 1: Thursday, January 27
As illustrated, Apple typically releases its new x.4 beta shortly after the x.3 launch. However, in 2023, this pattern was broken.
Now, we see a similar situation unfolding this year.
When do you anticipate the iOS 18.4 beta to drop? Share your thoughts in the comments.
