Apple has rolled out the initial beta version of iOS 18.4 to developers for evaluation, introducing a variety of fresh features despite the absence of some anticipated Apple Intelligence enhancements.
Enhanced Notification Management
The latest update introduces a feature called Priority Notifications, designed to prioritize and display your most significant alerts first. This functionality is initially disabled but can be easily activated through Settings > Notifications > Prioritize Notifications by toggling the switch.
When enabled, this feature utilizes Apple Intelligence to present important notifications in a dedicated area on the Lock Screen.
Introducing New Styles in Image Playground
The Image Playground now boasts a Sketch style alongside its existing Animation and Illustration styles. Previously, Sketch was exclusive to Image Wand; it is now officially part of Image Playground as well.
You can effortlessly switch between styles by tapping on the “+” icon within the Image Playground application. Additionally, Apple has replaced the “Winter Holidays” theme with an updated “Spring” theme.
Diverse Language Support
This update also enhances Apple Intelligence with new language options including French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese (simplified), and regional English variations for Singapore and India.
A Fresh Sound Experience with Ambient Music
A new Ambient Music option is available in iOS 18.4 that can be added directly to Control Center. Users can select from four distinct categories: Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing.
Each category plays random sounds or tracks uniquely suited for that ambiance when tapped; however, individual selections are not possible from Control Center itself. If you wish to navigate through tracks or identify what’s currently playing after selecting an ambient category via Dynamic Island or Now Playing widget at the top of your screen allows this functionality.
Email Organization on iPadOS
The capability for Mail categorization was initially launched on iPhones with iOS version 18.2 and is now being expanded upon in this beta release tailored for iPad users as well.
Improved Privacy Indicators
Another noteworthy change involves privacy indicators: small dots signaling when either your camera or microphone are active have been relocated to the left side of your device’s menu bar and made more distinguishable against a black background.
Exciting New Features in iOS 18.4
As Apple continues to enhance user experience with its software updates, the latest iOS 18.4 introduces several innovative features that improve functionality and usability across various apps and settings.
Enhanced Siri Voices
The update brings two fresh Australian accents for Siri, giving users more personalized assistant options. This enhancement aims to make interactions with the voice assistant feel more natural and relatable.
Revamped Genmoji Icon
A significant change is seen in the Genmoji section of the Emoji keyboard. The icon now distinctly displays “Genmoji” instead of a generic colorful smiley face. This deliberate modification helps users easily locate where to create their unique character designs.
Apple Maps Language Preference
Users can now set a Preferred Language in Apple Maps settings, providing greater customization for those who use multiple languages or prefer navigation instructions in a specific language. This addition ensures a smoother experience while navigating different locales.
New Widgets for Podcasts App
The Podcasts app has received an upgrade with new widgets that can be added directly to your Home Screen on an iPhone or iPad. The Library widget showcases your saved episodes, while another widget allows you to view shows that you’re subscribed to at a glance—making it easier than ever to access your favorite content quickly.
In addition, when tapping on your profile picture within the Podcasts app, new options are available for adjusting both Podcast Settings and Notification Settings, enhancing personalization even further.
Improved Cellular Signal Display
Now visible in the Control Center is an improved cellular toggle that visually represents signal strength with intuitive bar indicators—helping users quickly assess connectivity status without extra effort.
These enhancements collectively represent Apple’s commitment to refining user interaction across its platforms. As podcasts gain popularity (with over 100 million listeners projected by next year), these updates not only streamline everyday tasks but also demonstrate Apple’s ability to adapt based on user needs and preferences.
Major Updates in iOS 18.4: What You Need to Know
Streamlined Communication: New Shortcuts Action
Apple has introduced a groundbreaking feature in its Shortcuts app that allows users to open specific text conversations directly within the Messages application. This enhancement aims to make accessing important chats even more efficient.
CarPlay Upgrade: Additional Icon Row
Users of CarPlay are reporting an intriguing change where some devices now display a third row of icons on the Home Screen, expanding accessibility beyond the previous two-row configuration.
Adjusting Default Applications
In a notable shift for user convenience, iOS 18.4 adds functionality that permits users to select an alternative Translation app as their default option under Settings. Additionally, European Union users can now opt for different Navigation applications as their primary choices.
Enhanced Notification Center Experience
The reduction in lag time and improved fluidity when dismissing notifications reflects Apple’s commitment to refining user experience through smoother animations within the Notification Center.
Important Update Regarding Wi-Fi Calling
According to Apple’s developer notes, there is an ongoing issue with Wi-Fi Calling functionality specifically impacting U.S. Cellular customers on iOS 18.4. Users experiencing this problem are advised by Apple to revert back to version 18.3 for restored service integrity.
‘My Number Card’ Integration for Japan’s Wallet App
With the inclusion of support for Japan’s “My Number Card” digital identification system now apparent in beta testing, it was announced last year that full compatibility would be rolled out by Spring 2025. Currently, over 100 million individuals in Japan hold My Number Cards.
Mobile Device Management Enhancements
For educational institutions and enterprises utilizing Mobile Device Management (MDM), significant updates have been implemented allowing administrators greater control over features such as Mail smart replies and Safari summaries. New restrictions include preventing changes to default messaging and calling apps while enabling sign-in capabilities using nearby devices like iPhones or iPads connected via an Apple Account.
Vision Pro Application Improvements & Guest Setup Functionality
Owners of the Vision Pro headset will benefit from an updated companion application designed specifically for device management—enabling easy access to various features including downloading new apps and managing Personalized Spatial Audio settings effectively.
Furthermore, guest setups can now be initialized through linked iPhones or iPads—streamlining processes across multiple devices effectively while enhancing user convenience during setup phases.
These refreshing updates signify Apple’s ongoing efforts toward optimizing performance and providing enhanced solutions tailored not only for individual use but also within business contexts throughout their product ecosystem.
Exciting Updates in iOS 18.4: Enhanced Features and Emojis
Guest Mode for Vision Pro: Simplifying User Experience
The latest improvements to the Vision Pro headset have introduced a Guest Mode designed to enhance usability for those who borrow or test the device. This feature allows owners of the Vision Pro to manage access, enabling them to control which applications can be used by guests. Furthermore, there is an integrated AirPlay functionality that assists guests in navigating their experience with the headset effortlessly. When someone dons the Vision Pro as a guest, a notification will prompt the owner’s device to activate Guest Mode seamlessly.
Upcoming Features in the Vision Pro App
While currently absent from this beta version, users can anticipate future enhancements in the official release of iOS 18.4 that will include updates related to the Vision Pro app.
An Array of New Emojis on The Horizon
This beta version does not introduce any fresh emojis; however, code findings within iOS 18.4 suggest that upcoming betas will roll out exciting new characters. The anticipated additions comprise symbols such as bags under eyes, fingerprints, leafless trees, root vegetables, harps, shovels, and splashes—all designed to enrich communication and expression through digital platforms.
Soon-to-Be-Released iOS 18.4 Timeline
Apple has announced plans for a public launch of iOS 18.4 slated for April this year, marking another significant update in its ongoing commitment to enhancing user experience across its devices.
