Following the release of the iOS 17.3 Beta update last week, Apple has now made iOS 17.4 Beta 4 available to developers, signaling that the operating system is nearing its release to the general public. While there are no major features in this update, users of the iPhone 15 may notice some minor changes and important battery-related information on their devices.
Apple iOS 17.4 Beta 4: What’s New?
Personalized Welcome Screen
An apparent change in the update is the customized welcome screen that greets users when they boot up their iPhones after updating to iOS 17.4. This feature includes the user’s profile photo, giving the device startup process a personalized touch.
Battery Health Information
In the Battery section of the Settings app, there is a clearer presentation of battery health details. The battery health percentage is now prominently displayed to users, along with an explanation of what “normal” battery health entails. This enhancement aims to provide users with a better understanding of their battery health status.
Battery Improvements
Apple has shared positive news regarding the performance of iPhone 15 batteries. Real-world data indicates that the iPhone 15 batteries outperform initial expectations, despite projections suggesting a slightly smaller capacity compared to earlier models. This translates to longer battery life between charges, which is reassuring for both current users and prospective buyers.
New CarPlay Feature
A notable addition is the “instrument cluster experience” for CarPlay-enabled vehicles. This feature enhances navigation information on the vehicle’s digital instrument panel, offering more precise directions. It is important to note that this feature is currently limited to specific vehicle models.
Other Minor Tweaks
Beta testers have reported observing minor UI adjustments and bug fixes in various apps and system components, although these changes are yet to be officially confirmed. Typically, these modifications aim to enhance the overall user experience and system stability.
What is Missing?
Despite these updates, iOS 17.4 Beta 4 still lacks highly anticipated features like the “Always-On Display” for standard iPhone 15 models and additional Home app improvements. It is possible that these features will be included in future beta versions or reserved for the upcoming iOS 18 official release.
The public beta program is expected to launch shortly after beta 4 and is currently exclusive to developers. While an exact release date has not been revealed, the final public release of iOS 17.4 is anticipated by late March.
In conclusion, the enhancements to battery health information and the positive reports on iPhone 15 battery performance are significant highlights in iOS 17.4 Beta 4, despite the absence of groundbreaking additions. The addition of a personalized welcome screen and potential CarPlay updates aim to improve the user experience. As this is a beta version, further enhancements and potentially new features can be expected before the official public release. Stay tuned for upcoming updates.
