What changes come with Apple iOS 18.4?
What Changes Come with Apple iOS 18.4?
Apple has announced its upcoming update, iOS 18.4, set for release in April 2025. Packed with new features, this update focuses heavily on enhancing usability and refining Apple Intelligence capabilities. Let’s take a deeper look at what to expect from this exciting new version.
Enhanced Apple Intelligence Features
iOS 18.4 introduces substantial improvements to Apple Intelligence, particularly focusing on making Siri smarter and more responsive. With artificial intelligence at its core, these changes bring smarter interactions, deeper app integration, and broader usability.
On-Screen Awareness
One of the star additions is Siri’s ability to understand and respond to content displayed on your screen. For example, Siri can now pull an address directly from a text message and save it to your contacts. This feature is a step towards truly seamless multitasking and context-driven assistance. MacRumors highlights how this advancement bridges the gap between Apple’s native apps and practical AI.
Expanded App Actions
Siri now has enhanced multitasking capabilities, allowing you to execute tasks that span multiple apps without needing to open them. Need to move photos between apps or edit them on the go? Siri’s got it covered.
Improved Personal Context Understanding
With this update, Siri can better understand your preferences and recent activity. Using data from emails, notes, and texts, Siri provides more context-relevant responses. As detailed in AppleInsider, this helps users save time and reduce effort across daily interactions.
Broader Language Support
Apple has also extended support for additional languages. New localised content includes English tailored for regions like India and Singapore, alongside other languages such as French, German, Japanese, and Korean.
Updated Core Apps and Features
In addition to Siri enhancements, iOS 18.4 brings updates to core Apple applications, further refining functionality and ease of use.
Camera Control Enhancements
The Camera app now incorporates AI features to improve object interaction. For example, the app can detect items within your frame and suggest actions, such as searching for a similar product online or saving scanned text.
Mail Updates
Mail receives new notification priority settings to help users sort through messages more efficiently. Notifications for important emails take precedence, ensuring you never miss crucial updates.
Photos and Videos
Organisation features are revamped in Photos, providing smarter albums and better search tools. Perhaps the most exciting innovation here is support for spatial photos, elevating your photo experience.
Safari and Podcasts
Safari gains expanded background options, allowing greater customisation. Podcasts also get a boost with improved personalisation features, such as custom playlists and smarter episode recommendations.
Improved System Functionality and Tools
Apple has also introduced several refinements across the operating system for smoother user experiences.
Voice Memos and Notes
Users now have the option to layer Voice Memos or combine recordings. Transcription of voice calls is also integrated into Notes, which is especially helpful for those managing interviews or meetings on the go.
Passwords and Wallet
Security sees further enhancements, with iOS 18.4 offering password checks directly in the Wallet app. The Tap to Cash feature is updated to make transfers quicker and more reliable.
Maps and Navigation
Apple Maps adds topographic maps and hiking trail guides, perfect for adventurers and nature enthusiasts. There are also improvements in real-time navigation to enhance driving experiences.
Performance, Bug Fixes, and Security
Every release comes with its share of invisible but important updates. Faster performance, minor bug fixes, and upgraded security systems ensure a smoother experience for users across the board. For an in-depth feature analysis, 9to5Mac offers useful insights.
Beta Testing and Release Timelines
Apple has entered the beta testing phase for iOS 18.4, running trials with developers and public beta users. These phases help Apple refine the software, implementing changes based on user feedback. The full release is planned for April 2025.
Beta testing details on forums such as BetaProfiles indicate this process has already revealed some handy fixes and potential tweaks.
Conclusion
iOS 18.4 promises a highly focused package of updates, with improvements ranging from smarter Siri functionalities to enhanced apps and tools. Users can look forward to an overall smoother, more intuitive experience.
Stay tuned for more updates as Apple continues fine-tuning this release to meet high user expectations. For further reading about additional changes in the iOS ecosystem, visit Apple’s official page.