Apple’s iOS 18.4 update introduces a suite of innovative features designed to enhance user experience, boost productivity, and offer greater customization. Here’s a comprehensive look at 12 new capabilities your iPhone can harness with this update.
1. Priority Notifications: Streamlining Your Alerts
With the introduction of Priority Notifications, iOS 18.4 uses on-device processing to intelligently identify and categorize important updates. These notifications appear prominently above other alerts, helping users focus on what matters most without being overwhelmed. Initially disabled by default, this feature can be activated in the settings menu.
2. Visual Intelligence: Bringing AI to Your Fingertips
Previously exclusive to the iPhone 16 series, the Visual Intelligence feature is now available on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models with iOS 18.4. This tool allows users to quickly identify objects, landmarks, and more by simply pointing their camera, providing instant information and context. Accessing Visual Intelligence is seamless through the Action Button or Control Center.
3. Matter Support for Robot Vacuums: Smarter Home Integration
iOS 18.4 expands Apple’s Home app capabilities by introducing Matter support for robot vacuums. Users can now control compatible cleaning devices directly from the Home app, including starting, stopping, setting modes like “Vacuum” or “Vacuum and Mop,” and integrating them into automations and scenes. This enhancement simplifies smart home management and offers a unified control experience.
4. Enhanced Image Playground: Unleash Your Creativity
The Image Playground app receives a creative boost with a new “sketch” style option. This feature allows users to generate images using AI, transforming rough sketches into polished visuals. Whether drafting ideas or creating art, Image Playground’s enhanced capabilities make the process intuitive and enjoyable.
5. Ambient Music Control: Setting the Mood Effortlessly
A new ambient music option has been added to the Control Center, allowing users to quickly access and control background music that suits their environment or activity. This feature enhances the auditory experience, making it easier to relax, focus, or entertain with minimal effort.
6. Default Translation App: Tailoring Your Language Tools
iOS 18.4 introduces the ability to set a default translation app, giving users the flexibility to choose their preferred translation service for system-wide use. This customization ensures a consistent and personalized experience when translating text across different applications.
7. Default Navigation App (EU Users): Compliance and Choice
In compliance with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, iOS 18.4 allows EU users to set their default navigation app. This change provides greater freedom in choosing navigation services, ensuring that users can select the app that best fits their preferences and needs.
8. Apple News+ Food Section: Culinary Inspiration at Your Fingertips
Apple News+ subscribers can now enjoy a dedicated Food section, offering a rich collection of recipes and culinary content optimized for mobile devices. This addition provides inspiration and guidance for cooking enthusiasts, making meal planning and preparation more accessible.
9. Safari Search History Display: A Notable Change
A significant change in Safari’s interface now displays users’ search history prominently when accessing the search bar. While this alteration aims to improve browsing efficiency, it has raised privacy concerns among users who prefer to keep their search history less visible. As the update is still in beta, there is potential for adjustments before the final release.
10. Siri Enhancements: A Glimpse into the Future
While not fully implemented in iOS 18.4, the beta hints at substantial upgrades to Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant. These forthcoming enhancements are expected to provide more natural interactions and expanded capabilities, making Siri a more versatile and integral part of the iOS experience.
11. Mail App Improvements: Enhanced Organization and Efficiency
The Mail app receives notable enhancements, including the introduction of Priority Messages, which highlights urgent emails such as same-day invitations or boarding passes, complete with AI-generated summaries. Additionally, the app now categorizes incoming mail into Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions, all processed on-device to ensure privacy.
12. Writing Tools: Advanced Text Editing and Generation
Apple Intelligence’s Writing Tools have been enhanced to offer advanced text editing capabilities, including proofreading, rewriting, and generating summaries, key points, tables, and lists from existing content. With the integration of ChatGPT in iOS 18.2, users can also compose new content and describe desired changes, making writing and editing more efficient.
Final Thoughts
iOS 18.4 demonstrates Apple’s commitment to integrating artificial intelligence and user-centric design into its operating system. These 12 features collectively enhance the functionality, customization, and overall user experience of the iPhone, reflecting a thoughtful approach to modern technological needs. Whether you’re looking for smarter notifications, better AI-powered tools, or enhanced privacy options, this update has something for everyone.
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