Apple iOS 18.4 Update Brings New Features and Apple Intelligence Expansion

Apple's iOS 18.4 update, released in March, brings a variety of new features and enhancements that improve user experience and expand the capabilities of Apple Intelligence on compatible devices. This update sets the stage for the upcoming iOS 19 preview at the Worldwide Developers Conference on June 9.

New Emoji and Enhanced Notifications

The update introduces eight new emoji, including the popular "face with bags under eyes," fingerprint, and root vegetable, aligning with Unicode 16.0 standards. Additionally, Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhones gain Priority Notifications, which highlight important alerts on the Lock Screen, allowing users to focus on critical messages while filtering less urgent app notifications.

Expanded Apple Intelligence Access and Controls

Users with Apple Intelligence-compatible iPhones can now access features like Talk to Siri, Type to Siri, and Visual Intelligence directly from the Control Center. The update also allows assigning Visual Intelligence to the Action Button on iPhone 16 models, streamlining access to AI-powered tools.

Ambient Music Integration in Control Center

iOS 18.4 introduces ambient music controls to the Control Center, offering curated playlists for Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing. This feature simplifies playing mood-specific music without navigating through multiple apps, positioning the iPhone as a primary device for ambient soundscapes.

Image Playground's New Sketch Mode

The Apple Intelligence image generator, Image Playground, now includes a Sketch art style that produces fully colored images resembling notebook sketches. This expands creative options for users exploring AI-generated art.

Wallet and Apple News Enhancements

The Wallet app now features a Preauthorized Payments menu consolidating all subscriptions and payment plans, helping users manage recurring charges efficiently. Apple News Plus subscribers gain access to a new Food section filled with recipes from top publishers, complete with offline saving and a cook mode for easy kitchen use.

Additional Updates and Regional Expansions

Other improvements include new default app options for translation and navigation (notably in the EU), enhanced Podcasts widgets, and a Vision Pro app for headset users. Apple Intelligence support expands to more languages and regions, including the EU, broadening accessibility.

Overall, iOS 18.4 strengthens Apple's ecosystem by integrating AI-driven features, improving media consumption, and enhancing user control over notifications and subscriptions. Developers and users alike benefit from these thoughtful enhancements as Apple prepares for the next generation of iOS.