iOS 8 Beta 4 Update Features Tips App For Shortcuts, Other Tricks

iOS 8 Beta 4, which was released for download Monday, packs the latest new app/feature set to arrive in the final, public version of the new mobile OS update, Tips app, 9to5Mac reports.

Tips, which was first rumored for iOS 8 months ago, offers users shortcuts and other tricks to take advantage of some of the features they may not have known how to use. Some of these shortcuts include how to respond to an iMessage right in an iOS 8 notification and how to operate Siri without pressing a button, TechCrunch notes.

Users can also give their feedback on certain tips, as it is expected to feature "Helpful" and "Not Helpful" options in the final release. The beta version currently allows users to simply "like" a tip, however.

Apple has made six tips available in beta 4, but has promised to make one more available each week.

iOS 8 beta 4, which features build number 12A4331d, is available over-the-air and through the iOS Developer Center for developers using compatible iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch devices. Apple also released a new Apple TV beta and Xcode 6 beta 4.

The update also fixes several issues created by bugs from the previous versions.

In case you aren't sure if your device is compatible, the only device that didn't make the final list for iOS 8 compatibility is the iPhone 4, as the update is available for download on the iPhone 5S, iPhone 5, iPhone 5C, iPhone 4S, iPod touch fifth-gen, iPad 2, iPad Air, iPad mini with Retina Display, iPad mini, iPad 4, and iPad 3. As Gotta Be Mobile notes, the iPad 2's inclusion on the list was a mild surprise given Apple's history of leaving devices off of the list after three major updates. It was pretty much a given that the iPhone 4 would not make the final cut, as the smartphone is no longer available in stores and has already received the three updates.

It is unknown how many beta versions Apple will release before the iOS 8 Gold Master (GM), as it has varied in the past.