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 them in advance. However, this is not the case for iOS 18.4! After launching the latest iPhone 16e, Apple has indicated that the next iOS update will come in early April 2025.
When Apple Intelligence was 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. The iOS 18.4 beta testing has started rolling out on February 21, 2025. The iOS 18.4 beta 3 dropped on March 11 and iOS 18.4 beta 4 rolled out on March 17 with next beta updates expected in end 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.
Here’s what you can look forward to in iOS 18.4.
1. 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.
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.
Previously Mark Gurman hinted that iOS 18.4 may finally bring some of the promised Siri features such as On-Screen Awareness and Personal Context Understanding while the complete overhaul may be released with iOS 18.5.
However, now Apple has officially said in a press-release that “It’s going to take us longer than we thought to deliver on these features and we anticipate rolling them out in the coming year.” So, I’m hoping to see the ultimate Siri version included in the iOS 19 features.
3. 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. If you’re wondering how Sketch style would work, you may use the Image Wand in Notes to get an idea.
4. Apple Vision Pro app on iPhone
With iOS 18.4 Apple will officially roll out a new Apple Vision Pro app for the iPhone. This app will make it easier to manage and use the Vision Pro headset without always putting it on.
As seen in the iOS 18.4 beta 2, you will be able to find your Vision Pro’s model number, software version, and serial number in the app. Apple will also provide tips and updates about Vision Pro’s latest features. Moreover, you may explore new video content, apps, and games for Vision Pro directly from your iPhone.
5. 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.
Moreover, the update is expected to bring new language support in Apple Intelligence, such as French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese (simplified), and localized English for Singapore and India. So you’ll be able to enjoy the features in your native language.
6. Food section in Apple News+
Another feature I am excited about is the new Food section for Apple News+ subscribers in iOS 18.4. It will offer several recipes from top food publishers, including Allrecipes, Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, Good Food, and Serious Eats. You can find new recipes regularly in the new Recipe Catalog section.
Apple News editors will also include curated stories about restaurants, healthy eating, and kitchen essentials. A notable addition is the cook mode, which presents step-by-step instructions in a full-screen format. So, you can use it easily during cooking. While primarily for subscribers, select recipes and stories are expected to be accessible to non-subscribers as well.
7. Ambient Music in Control Center
As seen in iOS 18.4 beta 1, Control Center is expected to get a new Ambient Music feature. It will offer quick access to curated soundscapes designed to enhance your well-being and productivity. Right now in beta, you can find four distinct categories: Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing.
You may select any category to add as a tile in Control Center. Tapping the control will start a random sound or music from that category. If you want to skip the track or see what music is playing, you need to access Dynamic Island. Apple may add the playback control in the Control Center in the iOS 18.4 public version.
The update will also bring a new Apple Intelligence & Siri section in the Control Center. It is going to include Talk to Siri, Type to Siri, and Visual Intelligence controls as per the iOS 18.4 beta 2 update.
8. App review summaries in the App Store
To help users quickly understand the general opinion about an app, Apple is expected to introduce Apple Intelligence-generated review summaries. These summaries is said to condense user feedback into brief paragraphs, highlighting key insights from reviews.
As seen in iOS 18.4 beta 2, when you go to the Ratings & Reviews section of an app or game in the App Store, you will see a review summary. Moreover, it’s rumored that the summaries may get updated at least weekly to reflect new user feedback.
This feature is expected to be available in the US App Store initially for apps and games published in English that have accumulated a sufficient number of reviews.
9. Pause app downloads and updates
You may know that you cannot temporarily stop downloading an app or an update. The only option is to cancel the download entirely and restart it from the beginning later.
In iOS 18.4 beta 2, Apple has previewed a pause button that will allow users to temporarily halt an app or update download so they may resume it later without losing progress. If this materializes, the feature may help with poor connectivity or network congestion.
10. Changes in the Photos app
iOS 18.4 is also bringing four key improvements to the Photos app, making it easier to manage and organize pictures. You can filter photos or videos by Shared With You (items received from others) and Not in an Album (unorganized photos).
In the Albums tab, a new Sort by Date Modified feature is added, allowing albums and folders to be arranged based on recent changes. Moreover, the iOS 18.4 beta 3 added a toggle to hide the Recently Viewed and Recently Shared albums for more privacy.
Lastly, the Recently Deleted album now has a new trash can button that will clear everything permanently. There also a new Recover All button to recover all items at once.
11. EV Routing updates in Maps
In iOS 18.4, Apple will update the Apple Maps EV routing feature to support a broader range of charging stations, including Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) Superchargers. This update is particularly beneficial for Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning owners who use CarPlay, as they can now be routed to NACS chargers when planning their trips.
Previously, Apple Maps EV routing was limited to Combined Charging System (CCS) stations, even after manufacturers like Ford provided adapters for NACS compatibility. With iOS 18.4, Apple Maps recognizes vehicles equipped with NACS adapters and includes these charging stations in route planning.
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, the 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 ample storage on your iPhone 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, when updating, make sure your device has at least 50% battery or is plugged into a charger. When the iOS 18.4 download is available, go to Settings → General → Software Update and hit Install Now.
If the update is not appearing, check that your device is compatible and connected to the internet. In case the installation fails, restart your device and try again, or consider updating via a computer. Otherwise, you can try some fixes if you are unable to download the iOS update on your iPhone.
Signing off
According to the leaks, iOS 18.4 sounds like an exciting update, bringing smarter Siri capabilities, better notifications, and expanded Apple Intelligence features. While it is expected to be released in early April 2025, you can enjoy the features early in the iOS 18.4 beta update.
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