Apple has officially released iOS 18.4, introducing a suite of new features and enhancements that elevate the user experience across various applications. This latest update focuses on expanding Apple Intelligence capabilities, refining existing apps, and broadening language support. Below is a comprehensive overview of the key features and improvements in iOS 18.4.Apple Intelligence Enhancements.
Priority Notifications:
iOS 18.4 introduces Priority Notifications, a feature powered by Apple Intelligence that highlights the most critical alerts requiring immediate attention. These notifications are prominently displayed at the top of the notification stack on the Home Screen, ensuring users don’t miss essential information. By default, this feature is disabled but can be activated by navigating to Settings > Notifications > Prioritize Notifications and toggling it on. Users can also customize Priority Notifications on a per-app basis within the same settings menu.
Expanded Language Support:
Apple Intelligence now supports additional languages, including French, German, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese. Furthermore, localized English dialects for Singapore and India have been introduced, making Apple Intelligence more accessible to a global audience.
Photos App Improvements
Enhanced Filtering and Sorting:
The Photos app has been updated with improved filtering options, allowing users to sort images by date modified. Additionally, the option to disable auto-generated albums like “Recently Shared” and “Viewed” provides a more personalized photo management experience.
Ambient Music Feature
A new Ambient Music feature offers users instant access to curated playlists directly from the Control Center. These playlists are designed to provide background music suitable for various daily activities, enhancing the overall auditory experience.Apple News+ Food Section
Subscribers of Apple News+ can now enjoy a dedicated Food section, featuring a collection of recipes and a specialized Cooking Mode. This addition aims to enrich the culinary experience for users by providing diverse recipes and cooking tips within the app.
Vision Pro Companion App
iOS 18.4 introduces a companion app for Vision Pro, enabling users to proofread, rewrite, and summarize text using Writing Tools. The app also integrates ChatGPT for text composition, offering advanced assistance for various writing tasks.
Home App and Matter Protocol Integration
Robot Vacuum Support
The Home app now supports controlling robot vacuums through the Matter protocol. This integration allows users to manage their robot vacuums and incorporate them into automations and scenes across Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and HomePods. Manufacturers like Roborock, iRobot, and Ecovacs are rolling out firmware updates to ensure compatibility with this new feature.
Safari Enhancements
Recent Search Suggestions
Safari now offers Recent Search Suggestions, providing users with quick access to their previous search queries. This feature aims to streamline the browsing experience by allowing users to revisit past searches effortlessly.
New Emojis
iOS 18.4 introduces seven new emojis, including a Face with Bags Under Eyes, Fingerprint, Shovel, Harp, Leafless Tree, Splatter, and the Flag of Sark. These additions offer users more ways to express themselves in conversations.
CarPlay Updates
The update brings enhancements to CarPlay, improving its functionality and user interface. While specific details are limited, users can expect a more refined in-car experience with this update.
Screen Time and Child-Safe Settings
Screen Time limits now persist through app uninstalls and reinstalls, ensuring consistent application of usage restrictions. Additionally, child-safe settings have been made easier to configure during device setup, promoting a safer environment for younger users.
Installation Guide
To update to iOS 18.4:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on General.
- Select Software Update.
- If iOS 18.4 is available, tap Download and Install.
Ensure your device is connected to Wi-Fi and has sufficient battery life or is plugged into a power source during the update process.
Conclusion
iOS 18.4 brings a host of new features and improvements that enhance the overall functionality and user experience of compatible devices. From advanced Apple Intelligence capabilities to refined app functionalities and expanded language support, this update underscores Apple’s commitment to continuous innovation and user satisfaction. Users are encouraged to update their devices to explore and benefit from these new features.
