Apple Releases Fourth Public Beta of iOS 12

Apple today seeded the fourth public beta of iOS 12 to public beta testers, giving non-developers a chance to test the software ahead of its upcoming fall release. The fourth iOS 12 public beta, which comes two weeks after the third public beta, corresponds to the fifth developer beta released earlier this week.

Beta testers who have signed up for Apple's beta testing program will receive the iOS 12 beta update over-the-air after installing the proper certificate on an iOS device.

ios 12 facetime siri photos
Those who want to join the beta testing program can sign up on Apple's beta testing website, which gives users access to iOS, macOS, and tvOS betas. Before installing a beta, make sure to create a full encrypted iTunes backup or an iCloud backup and be sure to install iOS 12 on a secondary device because beta software is not always stable and can include bugs.

Today's iOS 12 beta introduces several new bugs that testers should be aware of:

  • After restarting a device, paired Bluetooth accessories might not function correctly or might be displayed using the device's address instead of name.
  • Using Apple Pay Cash to send or request money via Siri might result in an error.
  • When using CarPlay, Siri can't open an app by name. Shortcuts that involve opening an app won't work, and Shortcuts that require confirmation might not work.
  • Some Shortcuts requests might not work.
  • When multiple ride-sharing apps are installed, Siri might open an app instead of providing an ETA or location when asked. Apple suggests asking again as a fix.
  • Users might not see custom UI when using Siri Suggestions Shortcuts with built-in intents.

Several existing bugs have been addressed in the update, including error messages in the App Store when attempting to install an app, an inaccurate cellular signal bar on iPhone X while on Lock screen or Home screen, a bug that caused Wallet to crash on launch, and a failure for Screen Time usage and data settings to sync between devices. Shortcuts will also mostly work in CarPlay now, and will be restored from iCloud backups.

Other changes in the new iOS 12 beta: Screen Time in the Settings app no longer lists family members who aren't children, it needs to be reenabled after updating to the new beta, and there are hints of a future HomePod software update that will enable phone calls directly from the speaker. For more details on the beta, check out our iOS 12 beta 5 developer article.

The iOS 12 update introduces major changes like Group FaceTime, local multiplayer shared AR experiences, new Animoji, and a Memoji feature that's designed to let you create a personalized Animoji that looks just like you.


Animoji, stickers, text, and more can be used in FaceTime and the Messages app through the new Effects camera, and there's a Screen Time feature to help customers understand and manage the amount of time they're spending on their iOS devices. There are options to limit app time and it includes comprehensive controls for parents.

New Do Not Disturb features make it easier to manage notifications, as do interactive notification options and notification grouping on the Lock screen.

Siri has been improved in iOS 12 with Siri Shortcuts, a feature designed to work with third-party apps to let you create voice-activated automations, and Siri is also smarter and able to provide info on motorsports, food, and celebrities. Later in the year, Apple will launch a Shortcuts app so you can create your own shortcuts.

ios12sirishortcuts
Under-the-hood improvements to iOS 12 will make everyday tasks on the iPhone and iPad faster and more responsive, with the camera launching up to 70 percent faster and the keyboard showing up to 50 percent faster.

iOS 12 also includes a rebuilt Maps app with a new Apple-designed Maps engine that's available in Northern California at the current time. When iOS 12 launches in the fall, it will additional locations across the United States.

ios12newmapssf
The revamped Maps app displays foliage, pools, buildings, pedestrian pathways, and other map elements more accurately, and it brings improvements to traffic, real-time road conditions, construction notices, and more.

iOS 12 will be available to developers and public beta testers as a beta for the next two months to allow Apple to work out bugs and other issues ahead of a fall launch alongside new iPhones.

Related Forum: iOS 12

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Top Rated Comments

DrJohnnyN Avatar
91 months ago
iOS12 has been super stable on my iPX.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sjn419 Avatar
91 months ago
still getting the unable to check for update error
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sbailey4 Avatar
91 months ago
So wait, does the public beta 4 include fixes from the dev beta 5? I’m confused about the difference between public beta and dev beta.
Yes. There is no difference between these two builds. Dev comes out a day earlier, soon to be several hours earlier than public. But they are the exact same builds. They just don't start the public version until later in the beta process so it gets numbered differently.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
lectoid Avatar
91 months ago
Getting "Unable to Check for Update" (Wonder why Check is capitalized).
I've been pressing the try again option for ten minutes. Restarted phone too. Iphone 6S plus.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
djlythium Avatar
91 months ago
Downloading to a 10" iPP. If it's anything like PB3, it ought to be fast and stable.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JemTheWire Avatar
91 months ago
OpenVPN said that it´s on apple side. I tried the workaround but does not work for me.

Are you using username/password less connection?
Yes, just using certs.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)