Apple has officially launched iOS 18.4, the latest update to its iPhone operating system, packed with new features, improvements, and security enhancements. This update focuses on Apple Intelligence, the enhanced Photos app, new emojis, expanded language support, and more. Let’s look at what’s new and which devices support iOS 18.4.
New Features in iOS 18.4
1. Apple Intelligence Enhancements
Apple continues to improve its AI-powered capabilities, introducing Priority Notifications in iOS 18.4. This feature identifies and highlights important notifications at the top of your stack, ensuring that urgent alerts are not missed. Additionally, the Image Playground gets a new “Sketch” style, allowing users to generate AI-assisted hand-drawn images.
2. Enhanced Photos App
The Photos app now includes better organizational tools. Users can filter collections by album inclusion/exclusion and sort media by the last modified date. To customize their library, users can also disable auto-generated albums like Recently Shared and Recently Viewed.
3. New Emojis and Accessibility Features
Apple introduces a fresh set of emojis in iOS 18.4, including new hand gestures, facial expressions, and food items. Additionally, accessibility improvements include Live Speech enhancements and better screen reader support, making the iPhone more inclusive for visually impaired users.
4. Ambient Music Mode
A new Ambient Music feature is now available in the Control Center, offering curated background music for relaxation, productivity, and focus. Users can access playlists like Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing, which play in the background to set the right mood.
5. Apple News+ Food Section
Apple News+ subscribers will find a new Food section, featuring recipes, cooking guides, and culinary tips. This section also includes a Recipe Catalog and Cooking Mode, making it easier to follow along with step-by-step instructions.
6. Expanded Language Support
Apple has expanded its Apple Intelligence features to support more languages, including French, German, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese. Additionally, iOS 18.4 now includes localized English dialects for Singapore and India.
7. Safari and Screen Time Improvements
Safari now offers recent search suggestions, making browsing more intuitive. Screen Time settings have also been improved, ensuring that restrictions remain active even if the app is uninstalled and reinstalled.
8. Security and Bug Fixes
Apple continues to focus on user security, fixing multiple vulnerabilities and enhancing data protection. Users are encouraged to update to iOS 18.4 to stay secure against potential threats.
Devices Compatible with iOS 18.4
iOS 18.4 is available for all devices that support iOS 18. This includes:
iPhones Compatible with iOS 18.4:
- iPhone 15 series (iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max)
- iPhone 14 series (iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max)
- iPhone 13 series (iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max)
- iPhone 12 series (iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max)
- iPhone 11 series (iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max)
- iPhone Xs and Xs Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
If you own one of these iPhones, you can update to iOS 18.4 by going to Settings > General > Software Update and following the on-screen instructions.
How to Update to iOS 18.4
Updating your iPhone to iOS 18.4 is simple:
- Go to Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap General and select Software Update.
- If iOS 18.4 is available, tap Download and Install.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and ensure your device is connected to Wi-Fi and has at least 50% battery or is plugged into a charger.
- Once the update is complete, restart your device.
Should You Update to iOS 18.4?
Updating to iOS 18.4 is highly recommended if you own a compatible iPhone. It comes with:
- Better AI-powered notifications
- Improved Photos organization
- New emojis and accessibility features
- Enhanced Safari browsing experience
- Stronger security and bug fixes
These improvements make iOS 18.4 a must-have update for those who want a faster, more secure, and feature-rich experience.
Conclusion
Apple’s iOS 18.4 brings exciting new features, security enhancements, and AI-powered tools, making iPhones smarter and more user-friendly. Whether you’re looking forward to better notifications, new emojis, or improved photo management, this update is packed with valuable improvements. Check your device for the update today and enjoy the latest Apple experience!
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