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.

iOS 18.4 Beta 2: What’s New and Improved in the Latest Developer Release

Apple has released iOS 18.4 Beta 2 to registered developers, continuing the refinement process for the upcoming iOS 18.4 update. This release builds upon the features introduced in Beta 1, adding new functionalities and addressing known issues. Let’s dive into everything new in iOS 18.4 Beta 2.

Release Overview

iOS 18.4 Beta 2 arrives less than two weeks after the initial developer release. The update weighs in at 1.34 GB on the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The build number is 22E5216H, indicating that we are still a few betas away from the final release.

iOS 18.4 Beta 1: A First Look at What’s New

Apple has released iOS 18.4 Beta 1 to developers, offering a glimpse into the next iteration of its mobile operating system. This release is notable for its focus on expanding Apple Intelligence features, introducing new Control Center options, and making quality-of-life improvements. Let’s dive into the key changes and what you can expect from this beta.

Release Overview

iOS 18.4 Beta 1 arrived as a surprise Friday release, accompanied by updates for iPadOS 18.4, watchOS 11.4, macOS Sequoia 15.4, tvOS 18.4, and visionOS 2.4. The update size is substantial, clocking in at around 7.72 GB on the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The build number is 22E5200s, indicating that we are still early in the beta cycle.

iPhone 16e: A Deep Dive into Apple’s New Mid-Range Contender

The iPhone 16e has arrived, and it’s generating a lot of buzz. Positioned as a modern replacement for the iPhone SE, it aims to offer a compelling blend of features and affordability. However, at $600, it’s not quite the budget-friendly option some were hoping for. This in-depth review explores the iPhone 16e’s strengths, weaknesses, and overall value proposition.

What is the iPhone 16e?

The iPhone 16e marks a shift in Apple’s strategy. It replaces both the iPhone SE and the standard iPhone 14, slotting into the lineup as a more accessible option for those who don’t want to spend flagship money. It boasts a modern design, a powerful processor, and a few surprises, but also comes with some notable compromises.

iOS 18.3: Everything You Need to Know

Apple has officially released iOS 18.3, and it might just be one of the most controversial updates in a while. This blog post will cover everything new in the update, including features, changes, performance, battery life, and whether you should update or not.

Introduction

iOS 18.3 is now available for all iOS 18 supported devices. The update size varies but is generally around 7 to 8 GB. This update brings several new features, improvements, and bug fixes.

iOS 18.3 Beta 3: What’s New and Improved

Apple has released iOS 18.3 Beta 3 to registered developers, bringing a host of new features, improvements, and bug fixes. This blog post will cover everything you need to know about the latest beta update.

Introduction

iOS 18.3 Beta 3 was released one week after Beta 2 and includes updates for iPadOS 18.3, watchOS 11.3, macOS Aqua 15.3, tvOS 18.3, and visionOS 2.3. The update size is approximately 755 MB on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, with a build number of 22D5055B, indicating we are close to a final release.

iOS 18: Essential Settings to Change Right Away

iOS 18 is a significant update, packed with new features and functionalities. To optimize your experience, privacy, and battery life, here are crucial settings you should adjust immediately after upgrading your iPhone.

1. Enable Custom Charge Limit

Preserve and extend your iPhone’s battery life by setting a custom charge limit. Lithium-ion batteries degrade faster when consistently charged to 100%.

• Go to Settings > Battery > Charging.
• Use the Charge Limit slider to set a limit, ideally around 90%.
• If you don’t have the slider, enable Optimized Battery Charging to cap charging at 80%.

2. Enable RCS Messaging

Rich Communication Services (RCS) brings enhanced texting features when messaging Android users, including read receipts, improved group chats, and higher-quality media sharing.

Exploring Apple’s Journal App in iOS 18

Apple’s Journal App has received a significant upgrade with iOS 18, making it one of the most underrated applications on the platform. This blog post will provide a comprehensive walkthrough of the app, its features, and how to use it effectively.

Introduction

The Journal App, initially released with iOS 17.2, allows users to write journal entries and attach various media and data from their iPhone. The app has evolved significantly from its bare-bones version 1 to a more robust and feature-rich version 2 in iOS 18.

iOS 18.3 Beta 2: What’s New and What to Expect

Apple has officially released iOS 18.3 Beta 2 for developers, with the public beta expected to follow soon. This update is available for all devices that support iOS 18 and brings several new features, improvements, and bug fixes. In this blog post, we’ll explore what’s new in iOS 18.3 Beta 2, including the build number, new features, and performance enhancements.

Assistive Access: Making iPhones Easier for Seniors

Starting in iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, Apple introduced a feature called Assistive Access, designed to help seniors and individuals with cognitive challenges use their iPhones and iPads more easily. This feature simplifies the interface and provides a more focused experience, reducing cognitive load and making essential functions more accessible. In this blog post, we’ll explore what Assistive Access is, how to set it up, and how it can benefit users.