iOS 18.4: Everything You Need to Know

Apple has officially released iOS 18.4, and it’s packed with over 60 new features, improvements, and bug fixes. This update is available for all iOS 18-supported devices and brings enhancements to performance, battery life, and usability. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what’s new in iOS 18.4.

New Features in iOS 18.4

1. Control Center Enhancements

  • Ambient Music Controls: Four new toggles for Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Well-being playlists.
  • Real-Time Signal Updates: Cellular and Wi-Fi signal strength now updates dynamically in the Control Center.
  • Visual Intelligence Access: iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max users can now access Visual Intelligence directly from the Control Center.

2. Apple Intelligence Updates

  • Priority Notifications: Automatically prioritizes important notifications and separates them in the Notification Center.
  • Expanded Language Support: Apple Intelligence now supports eight new languages, including French, German, and Japanese.
  • Visual Intelligence: Available for iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, allowing users to scan surroundings for actionable insights.

3. Photos App Improvements

  • Reordering Media Types: Customize the order of media types and utilities.
  • New Filters: Filter photos by “Not in an Album” or “Synced from Mac/PC.”
  • Hidden Photos Exclusion: Hidden photos are no longer included when importing to a Mac or PC if Face ID is enabled.

4. Safari Updates

  • Recent Searches: Displays recent searches in the search bar (can be disabled in settings).
  • Connection Security Details: View detailed HTTPS certificate information for websites.

5. New Emoji

Seven new emoji have been added, including a fingerprint, harp, and splatter.

6. Apple News Recipe Manager

A new food section in Apple News includes a recipe manager with filters for meal type, diet, and preparation time.

7. Podcasts and Widgets

  • New widgets for Podcasts, including Library and Shows.
  • Updated Podcast settings for easier access to notifications and preferences.

Performance and Battery Life

iOS 18.4 brings noticeable improvements in performance and battery life. Apps load faster, and animations feel smoother. Battery life has also improved slightly, with better optimization for background processes.

Bug Fixes and Security Updates

Apple has addressed several bugs, including:

  • Screen Time Fix: App limits now persist even after uninstalling and reinstalling apps.
  • Camera Bug Fix: Resolved an issue where the camera would occasionally display a black screen.
  • Notification Center Fixes: Improved scrolling and responsiveness.

Additionally, iOS 18.4 includes critical security updates to protect your device from vulnerabilities.

Should You Update?

If you’re on iOS 18, this update is highly recommended. It not only introduces new features but also improves stability, performance, and security. For those on older versions, the enhancements in battery life and usability make it worth upgrading.

iOS 18.4 is a significant update that enhances the overall user experience. Whether you’re excited about the new features or looking for better performance, this update has something for everyone. Let us know your thoughts on iOS 18.4 in the comments below!