iOS 18.4, the fourth major update to iOS 18, introduces a host of new features—some exclusive to newer iPhone models, others available to all users. Here’s everything you need to know.
Apple Intelligence Features
- Priority Notifications: A new feature surfaces important notifications at the top of the Lock Screen. Enable it in Settings > Notifications > Prioritize Notifications.
- Visual Intelligence (iPhone 15 Pro): Previously limited to iPhone 16 models, this AI-powered tool can now be activated via the Control Center or Action Button.
- Control Center Apple Intelligence Section: Includes Type to Siri, Visual Intelligence, and other AI-driven tools.
- Image Playground Updates: A new Sketch style joins Animation and Illustration, and the “Winter Holidays” theme is replaced with “Spring.”
- New Languages: Adds support for French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese (Simplified), plus localized English for Singapore and India.
New Emoji & Genmoji
Fresh emoji like bags under eyes, fingerprint, harp, and shovel debut in iOS 18.4. The Genmoji icon now explicitly says “Genmoji” for clarity.
Vision Pro Integration
- A new Vision Pro app appears on iPhones after updating, allowing users to discover and download Vision Pro content (Immersive Video, 3D movies, etc.) directly from their iPhone.
- Guest Mode management can now be handled via iPhone or iPad, with controls for app restrictions and AirPlay-guided experiences.
Apple News+ Food Section
Subscribers gain access to a dedicated Food section, featuring recipes, restaurant stories, and curated content from top publishers like Bon Appétit and Food & Wine.
Ambient Music in Control Center
Four new sound categories—Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing—can be added to Control Center, each with sub-options like Lo-Fi Jazz or Pure Meditation.
Privacy & UI Improvements
- Privacy Indicator Dots: Now more visible with a black background.
- Photos Enhancements: New filters for shared/unshared images, one-tap Delete All/Recover All in Recently Deleted, and album sorting by key photo.
- Type to Siri: The keyboard now collapses after a response, and a new toggle allows activation via the Side Button.
App Store & Shortcuts Upgrades
- Review Summaries: Quick overviews of app ratings.
- Pause Downloads: Pause/resume app downloads directly from the App Store.
- New Shortcuts Actions: Expanded controls for Maps, Safari, Messages, and more.
Maps, Safari & CarPlay Tweaks
- Preferred Language Setting in Apple Maps.
- Enhanced Safari Security: View website certificates via Connection Security Details.
- CarPlay: Some users now see a third row of app icons.
HomeKit & Wallet Updates
- Robot Vacuum Support: Matter-compatible vacuums can now integrate with HomeKit.
- Wallet Redesign: A new menu includes Orders, Settings, and Subscriptions.
iPadOS 18.4: Mail Categorization
Following iOS 18.2, the iPad Mail app now sorts emails into Primary, Orders, Newsletters, Deals, and Social categories.