Apple has officially released its first developer beta of iOS 18.4, which includes a new feature called Priority Notifications. This feature, powered by Apple Intelligence, uses on-device processing to detect which updates are especially important and sort them into a separate section above other notifications.

According to 9to5Mac, the Priority Notifications feature is turned off by default in this first developer beta, but users can enable it with a toggle in the notifications area of the settings menu. This feature is expected to improve the overall user experience by prioritizing critical updates and reducing clutter in the notification center.

Notably, the latest beta release does not include any significant updates to Siri, despite previous reports of Apple working on a more intelligent assistant. The company's press release only mentions that "Apple Intelligence will continue to expand with new features in the coming months, including more capabilities for Siri," without providing any specific details.

In addition to Priority Notifications, the iOS 18.4 beta also includes support for setting default translation apps for users worldwide. Furthermore, EU users governed by the Digital Markets Act will also get the ability to change the default navigation app. These updates are part of Apple's efforts to increase interoperability and comply with EU regulations.

Other notable features in the iOS 18.4 beta include a new app for Vision Pro owners to browse the headset's app store, cue up videos to watch, and install apps remotely. A redesigned Mail app has also been spotted for Macs and iPads. Additionally, Apple has announced the new Apple News Plus Food section for iPhones and iPads, which will bring "tens of thousands of recipes" formatted for use on mobile devices.

The release of the iOS 18.4 developer beta marks an important milestone in Apple's software development cycle. As the company continues to refine its operating systems and services, users can expect to see more innovative features and improvements in the coming months.

It remains to be seen how Apple's latest updates will impact the tech industry as a whole. However, with the company's focus on artificial intelligence, interoperability, and user experience, it's clear that Apple is committed to pushing the boundaries of what's possible with its software and hardware offerings.