Apple is preparing to launch a variety of new products next week. Although the specifics are still unclear, speculation indicates that we may see a new iPhone SE or updates to the Apple Vision Pro series.

Nevertheless, one release we can anticipate is the iOS 18.4 beta. As per *Bloomberg*’s Apple authority Mark Gurman, this update is projected to be available next week.

This forthcoming iOS beta will bring fresh features and enhancements for iPhone users. Here’s what to look forward to:

### New Emojis
Although it may not be the most revolutionary update, new emojis are always a fan favorite among users.

Among the new additions is the “tired face with bags under its eyes” emoji, which is poised to become a common choice in late-night group conversations. Additional new emojis include a harp, a shovel, a beet-like vegetable, a purple ink splash, and a barren tree.

Apple usually integrates the most recent emojis approved by the Unicode Consortium in its iOS updates, so these are expected to be included in iOS 18.4.

### Smarter Siri with Apple Intelligence
Siri is set to receive an enhancement driven by Apple Intelligence, according to Gurman.

Apple first unveiled its AI-focused Apple Intelligence features last June, although many have yet to be implemented. The iOS 18.4 beta might finally introduce some of these highly anticipated upgrades for Siri.

Expected improvements include:
– **Personal context awareness:** Siri will utilize your personal data to offer more relevant answers.
– **On-screen awareness:** Siri will respond based on your activity on the device.
– **Enhanced language comprehension:** Apple has pledged to deliver more natural interactions and the capability to perform actions across various apps.

### Enhanced News Summaries
Apple Intelligence originally debuted with AI-generated news summaries in notifications. However, following several instances of misleading summaries going viral, Apple temporarily disabled the feature for the News & Entertainment category and added a disclaimer for other news areas.

Apple had committed to reinstating the feature after making enhancements, and iOS 18.4 may signal its comeback.

### Customizable Default Map and Translation Apps
Under the EU’s Digital Markets Act, Apple is mandated to enable users to designate their preferred default Map and Translation apps rather than being restricted to Apple’s versions.

While this alteration is compulsory in the EU, Apple might extend this option to all users worldwide. The iOS 18.4 beta is expected to incorporate this change.

### Enhancements to the Home App
Apple had previously hinted at support for robot vacuum cleaners within the Home app, but this feature was absent from the iOS 18.3 release—although remnants of it were found in the code.

Apple continues to showcase the feature on its website, indicating it may indeed be activated in iOS 18.4. This would permit users to manage their robot vacuums through the Home app and Siri.

### Final Thoughts
With the iOS 18.4 beta approaching, iPhone users can eagerly await new emojis, a more intelligent Siri, better news summaries, customizable default apps, and upgrades to the Home app. Keep an eye out for Apple’s official announcement next week!