Apple has introduced iOS 18.4 Beta 2, unveiling a suite of new Shortcuts actions aimed at enhancing automation and app customization. This update provides you with greater control over app settings across the Apple ecosystem, allowing you to fine-tune apps like Calendar, Maps, Safari, Notes, and more. Whether you’re streamlining daily workflows or tailoring apps to suit your preferences, this beta release represents a significant advancement in user-focused functionality. The video below from Stephen Robles gives us a look at the new Shortcuts actions in iOS 18.4 beta 2.
Key Updates in iOS 18.4 Beta 2
The latest beta emphasizes improved automation and personalization across several core apps. These updates are designed to make your interactions with iOS more intuitive and efficient. Here are the most notable enhancements:
- Calendar: Simplified event management with new automation tools.
- Maps: Advanced navigation preferences for a more personalized experience.
- Safari: Dynamic browser settings for enhanced flexibility.
- Reminders: Smarter notifications integrated with focus modes.
- Notes: Quick access to recent notes and seamless account switching.
- Apple News and Books: Improved content accessibility and usability.
- Weather and Apple TV: Customizable settings for location, temperature, and media preferences.
Enhanced Calendar Automation
The Calendar app now includes tools that simplify event planning and scheduling, making it easier to stay organized. You can:
- Set the start day of the week to align with your personal or professional routine.
- Define default event durations for consistent scheduling without manual adjustments.
- Enable “time to leave” alerts to ensure punctuality for appointments or meetings.
These features are particularly beneficial for managing time-sensitive tasks or coordinating across multiple commitments, offering a more structured approach to your calendar.
Apple Maps: Personalized Navigation
Apple Maps introduces new customization options to enhance your navigation experience. Through Shortcuts, you can:
- Toggle settings to avoid highways, toll roads, or specific routes.
- Adjust turn-by-turn navigation volume for a more comfortable driving experience.
These updates are especially useful for commuters and travelers, allowing you to align Maps with your unique travel preferences and needs.
Safari: Dynamic Browsing Settings
Safari now offers the ability to adjust key settings dynamically, giving you more control over your browsing experience. These include:
- Switching the default search engine to suit your preferences.
- Toggling features like pop-up blocking and autofill for enhanced usability.
- Customizing the tab bar appearance to create a tailored browsing environment.
While these features add flexibility, some users have reported minor bugs, particularly with the search engine toggle, as this remains a beta release.
Smarter Reminders Notifications
The Reminders app now integrates more deeply with focus modes, allowing you to automate notifications based on your activity. For instance:
- Disable “Today” notifications during work hours to minimize distractions.
- Enable reminders when in a personal focus mode to stay on top of personal tasks.
This ensures that notifications are timely and relevant, helping you maintain focus while staying organized throughout the day.
Apple Notes: Quick and Flexible Access
Apple Notes introduces features that improve accessibility and flexibility for users managing multiple devices or accounts. These include:
- Resume your last quick note instantly, allowing you to pick up where you left off without delay.
- Toggle between local and iCloud accounts for seamless note management across devices.
These updates are particularly useful for users who frequently switch between devices or need to manage notes across different storage options.
Apple News and Books: Content on Your Terms
Apple News and Books have also received notable improvements to enhance usability and accessibility. These include:
- Automate the downloading of puzzles and stories in Apple News for offline access.
- Adjust the reading menu position in Apple Books to better suit your preferences.
These changes ensure that your favorite content is always within reach, whether you’re online or offline, making your reading and news consumption more convenient.
Weather and Apple TV: Tailored Settings
The Weather and Apple TV apps now offer greater customization options to better align with your preferences. You can:
- Switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius in Weather or toggle between home and work locations for more accurate forecasts.
- Adjust download quality, language, and subtitle settings in Apple TV for a personalized viewing experience.
These updates make it easier to adapt these apps to your specific needs, whether you’re checking the weather or enjoying your favorite shows.
Focus Modes and Advanced Automations
Focus modes now feature deeper integration with Shortcuts, allowing you to create automations that adapt to your schedule or activity. For example:
- Safari can switch search engines during work hours to align with professional needs.
- Calendar can adjust event durations for personal time, making sure a balanced schedule.
This dynamic functionality ensures that your apps work seamlessly with your daily routine, enhancing productivity and personalization.
Developer Beta Exclusivity
Currently, these features are exclusive to the developer beta, highlighting Apple’s commitment to refining app customization. While these updates showcase significant advancements, some functionalities—such as Safari’s search engine toggle—may still exhibit minor bugs. If you’re not a developer, you’ll need to wait for the public release to explore these enhancements.
Empowering Users Through Customization
iOS 18.4 Beta 2 underscores Apple’s dedication to empowering users with enhanced automation and customization. By expanding Shortcuts actions across its ecosystem, this update allows you to tailor apps like Calendar, Maps, Safari, and more to your unique needs. While some features remain in beta testing, this release represents a meaningful step toward a more personalized and efficient iOS experience.
Here are additional guides from our expansive article library that you may find useful on iOS 18.4 Beta 2.
Source & Image Credit: Stephen Robles
Filed Under: Gadgets News
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