What do people think of Apple’s software update? For years, it’s been predictable—refinements here, minor feature additions there. With each new iOS version, people expect the usual. Improved security. A few new widgets. Maybe a camera tweak that no one notices until they compare side-by-side shots with an older iPhone.
But iOS 18.4 does bring some solid upgrades. EU users now get full-blown alternative app stores. Game streaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming are no longer stuck behind Apple’s walled garden. Apple’s browser crackdown in the EU brings a big change. Chrome, Firefox, and others can use their own engines instead of Safari’s WebKit. But if you were hoping for that AI-powered, mind-reading, all-knowing Siri Apple hyped up last June, it’s still missing.
So now, let’s start at the very beginning, with each of the remarkable features unveiled in this update.
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Smarter Notifications and Apple Intelligence
Apple has now given your iPhone a new ability. It can prioritize messages and alerts based on advanced AI algorithms. The device can distinguish between social chatter and an important message from a close friend. The real beauty of this feature is customization. You can choose which apps send priority notifications. Mute things like breaking news alerts or excessive app updates as you see fit.
Visual Intelligence & Enhanced Control Center
Next up is the evolution of visual intelligence. Apple has always been great at combining smart software with powerful hardware. The latest update continues that trend by improving how your iPhone’s camera interacts with the world.
With iOS 18.4, you can easily toggle visual intelligence from the Control Center. It can now process and interpret what you’re looking at in real-time. For example, if you point your camera at a landmark, a piece of art, or a street sign, your iPhone will provide relevant contextual information about it. And you wouldn’t need to open a separate app.
Enhanced Music Ambience
The Control Center now has ambient music controls. You can now choose from four different ambient sound options. They are designed to help with sleep, productivity, relaxation, or simply setting a calm vibe.
Improved Camera Control
For those who really push their iPhones to the max, especially the Pro models, iOS 18.4 brings exciting updates to the camera control experience.
With the iPhone Pro, you can now launch visual intelligence directly from the camera control button. Just hold the button down, and the device will switch to a mode that uses its smart image recognition features.
Image Playground Reinvented
Image Playground lets you experiment with creating images using artificial intelligence. Previously, it offered various styles. The latest update introduces a sketch style. This gives your images a hand-drawn, artistic feel, like they were sketched by hand.
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More Languages, More Countries
Before this update, Apple Intelligence was limited to a few regions. Now, it supports major languages like French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese. Localized English versions are also available for places like Singapore and India.
Privacy Indicator Dots: A Visual Guardian
Apple has always been a leader in protecting user privacy. With iOS 18.4, they’ve introduced a new transparency feature: animated privacy indicator dots. These dots serve as a visual cue to indicate when your camera or microphone is active.
New Emojis and Genmoji Redesign
In iOS 18.4, Apple has refreshed its emoji lineup. New icons help you express your thoughts and feelings more clearly. The update includes a redesigned paint slab, emojis that better capture tiredness, and improved representations of everyday objects. Along with the new emojis, the Genmoji icon has also been redesigned. It used to be a small, somewhat unclear symbol in the corner of the keyboard, but now it’s larger and more intuitive.
Podcast Widgets
With iOS 18.4, Apple introduces a new podcast widget. You can add your entire podcast library as a widget. It comes in different sizes, so you can choose what fits your style. If you love a particular show, you can track it specifically. See the latest episodes and stay updated on new releases.
Apple Home and Robot Vacuum Integration
With iOS 18.4, one such improvement is the ability to control Matter-compatible robot vacuums directly from the Apple Home app.
In the past, robot vacuums were standalone devices with their own apps. But now, they’re integrated into your Apple Home experience. You can turn the vacuum on and off, start mopping functions, or monitor its activity—all from within the Home app.
Safari Connection Security Details
iOS 18.4 improves Safari with a feature that makes it easier to check the security details of your connection.
Now, when you tap on the connection icon in Safari and open the three-dot menu, you can view detailed website security information. See details about the security certificate, including who issued it and how long it’s valid. For those concerned about digital safety, this update makes it easier to verify the integrity of your online connections.
The update also improves how you see network signal strength. Instead of just generic bars, iOS 18.4 now shows you exactly how strong your Wi-Fi or cellular signal is.
Apple News+ Food
We’ve explored every key feature, from prioritized notifications to lossless audio for AirPods Max. Now, we arrive at one of the most intriguing additions in iOS 18.4: the new Food section in Apple News+.
To make the most of the Food section, Apple has included several helpful features:
- Recipe Catalog: A regularly updated collection of recipes, acting as a virtual cookbook with something fresh to try.
- Cook Mode: This mode provides step-by-step instructions. This makes it easier for both beginners and experienced cooks to follow along without switching between apps.
- Offline Access: Since kitchens don’t always have the best internet, you can save your favorite recipes offline. Stay inspired wherever you are.
Final Reflections
iOS 18.4 takes your iPhone from a device that just works to one that gets you. Apple’s stepping it up. Smarter notifications, seamless home automation, and even personalized audio experiences.
So, hit that update button and take the new features for a spin. See for yourself how iOS 18.4 can elevate your daily routine. Make your phone feel more in tune with your life. Don’t miss out!