Apple’s iOS 18 update is incredibly noteworthy as it introduced many significant features (like Apple Intelligence) and overhauls to native apps. Naturally, everyone is eager to know what features are coming in its next iteration, iOS 18.4. In this article, I’ll share the expected release date of the iOS 18.4 update, its potential new features, compatible devices, and how to prepare your iPhone for the update.
iOS 18.4 expected release date
Apple typically follows a consistent schedule for releasing iOS updates but never announces it in advance. However, this is not the case for iOS 18.4! After launching the latest iPhone 16e, Apple has given an indication that the next iOS update will come in early April 2025.
When Apple Intelligence released in October 2024, Apple said in a press release that the AI features would support more languages than just English in its April software update. So, we may anticipate that iOS 18.4 will be that update. According to the previous trends, the date could potentially be earlier than mid-month.
Besides, for those unaware, Apple provides beta versions to developers and public testers before the official public release. So, the iOS 18.4 beta testing phase may begin at the end of February or the beginning of March.
If you’re interested in trying out the beta version, you can enroll your device in Apple’s Beta Software Program and download the iOS beta update. But be aware that beta software can have bugs and may not be as stable as the final release.
New features and enhancements expected in iOS 18.4
With each iOS update, Apple aims to enhance user experience through performance improvements, new features, and security updates. Mark Gurman has hinted that iOS 18.4 may finally bring some of the promised Siri features included in Apple Intelligence while the complete overhaul may be released with iOS 18.5.
Here’s what you can look forward to in iOS 18.4.
1. Onscreen awareness for Siri
With iOS 18.4, Siri may bring the onscreen awareness feature teased at WWDC 2024. This means you will be able to refer to items on your screen during voice commands, and Siri will understand and act accordingly.
For example, if someone sends you an address via text message, you can say, “Add this address to my contacts,” and Siri will know you’re referring to the address in the message.
2. Expanded app actions
Another useful feature I am looking forward to is Siri’s in-app action. If the rumors turn out to be true, Siri will be able to perform more tasks within native and third-party apps without needing to open them.
Through a system called App Intents, Siri is expected to execute hundreds of new actions. Using this, you may, for instance, ask Siri to find a specific photo, edit it, and send it to a contact, all through voice commands.
3. Personal context understanding
Similar to onscreen awareness, Apple also promised to bring a deeper understanding of your personal context to Siri. It will be able to use information from your emails, messages, photos, calendar events, and files stored on your device to answer personalized questions. For example, you may be able to ask, “What cafe did Jamie recommend,” and Siri would be able to search your messages and provide an appropriate answer.
4. Priority notifications
To help you manage alerts more effectively, iOS 18.4 is expected to introduce priority notifications. Apple Intelligence already shows priority emails in the Mail app. It will use the same functionality to analyze your notifications and highlight the most important ones at the top of your list. So, you would never miss critical updates. Combined with Notification Summaries, this can boost your productivity.
5. New image styles in Image Playground
The Image Playground app is also anticipated to receive an update with iOS 18.4. Apple may bring a new Sketch style in addition to the existing Animation and Illustration styles, enabling you to generate images with a hand-drawn appearance.
6. Apple Intelligence expansion in the EU
Starting in April, Apple is expected to extend its Apple Intelligence features to users in the European Union. This expansion will allow more users to benefit from the latest AI-driven functionalities.
If you can’t access the AI features right now, worry not. There’s an easy trick to use Apple Intelligence outside the U.S. that you can use to get them on your iPhone.
Which iPhone models will support iOS 18.4?
Apple strives to support a wide range of devices with its updates. However, older models may eventually lose compatibility due to hardware limitations. Based on previous patterns, iOS 18.4 is expected to roll out on iPhone XR and newer, same as the iOS 18 supported device list.
Devices older than these may not support iOS 18.4. To check your device model, go to Settings → General → About.
How to prepare for the iOS 18.4 update
New iOS updates often pack bugs and glitches. So, before you start the update process, safeguard your data by backing up your device. You can accomplish this through iCloud or a computer (PC or Mac).
Additionally, you need to have ample storage on your iPhone to be able to download the update. So check your storage under Settings → General → iPhone Storage and delete any unused apps or files, if needed, to free up space on your iPhone.
Finally, make sure your device has at least 50% battery or is plugged into a charger when updating. When the iOS 18.4 download is available, head to Settings → General → Software Update and hit Install Now.
If the update is not appearing, check your device is compatible and that it is connected to the internet. In case the installation fails, restart your device and try again, or consider updating via a computer. Else, you can try some fixes if you are unable to download the iOS update on your iPhone.
Signing off
As per the leaks, iOS 18.4 sounds like an exciting update, bringing smarter Siri capabilities, better notifications, and expanded Apple Intelligence features. While it has an expected release date of early April 2025, you can enjoy the features early in the iOS 18.4 beta update when it drops.
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