Apple has officially released iOS 18.4, introducing a suite of new features and enhancements designed to improve user experience across compatible devices. This update focuses on leveraging Apple Intelligence, expanding language support, and integrating new applications to enrich the iOS ecosystem.
Priority Notifications with Apple IntelligenceA standout feature in iOS 18.4 is the introduction of Priority Notifications. Utilizing Apple Intelligence, this function identifies and highlights notifications that may require immediate attention, displaying them prominently at the top of the Home Screen's notification stack. This ensures that users can promptly address critical alerts without sifting
through less urgent notifications.
Expanded Language Support
iOS 18.4 broadens the accessibility of Apple Intelligence by adding support for several new languages, including French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese. Additionally, localized English options for Singapore and India have been introduced, catering to a more diverse global user base. European Union users will also now have access to Apple Intelligence features on their iPhones and iPads.
Apple Vision Pro App Integration
The update brings Apple Intelligence to the Vision Pro headset with the release of visionOS 2.4. Accompanying this is a new Vision Pro app for iOS, designed to help users discover and manage content for the headset directly from their iPhones. This integration aims to streamline the user experience between devices.
Apple News+ Food Section
Subscribers to Apple News+ will find a new Food section within the app, featuring a collection of recipes from various publications. Users can save recipes for offline access and utilize a cook mode that presents instructions in a full-screen format, facilitating easier use while cooking.
Additional Features and Enhancements
Ambient Music Controls: Users can now access ambient music options directly from the Control Center, offering selections such as Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing to suit various moods and activities.
Image Playground Sketch Mode: A new "Sketch" art style has been added to the Image Playground, allowing users to create images with a hand-drawn aesthetic.
Matter-Compatible Robot Vacuum Support: The Home app now supports Matter-compatible robot vacuums, enabling users to control these devices seamlessly within the Apple ecosystem.
New Emoji: The update includes eight new emoji, such as a face with bags under eyes, fingerprint, splatter, root vegetable, leafless tree, harp, shovel, and the flag of Sark, enhancing users' expressive options.
User Considerations
While iOS 18.4 brings numerous enhancements, some users have expressed concerns regarding changes in the Safari browser. Specifically, the display of recent search history in the center of the screen when accessing the search bar has raised privacy considerations. Users are advised to review these changes and adjust their settings accordingly.
Overall, iOS 18.4 represents a significant step forward in integrating advanced intelligence features and expanding the functionality of Apple's operating system, catering to a broader and more diverse user base.