Apple officially released its latest iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 updates on March 31, 2025, marking a significant upgrade for users of iPhones and iPads. This update, which follows closely behind the previous iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3 updates, introduces several new features and improvements aimed at enhancing user experience.
Among the most notable enhancements is the introduction of Apple Intelligence, a feature designed to improve user interaction with their devices. This functionality is now available for all models of the iPhone 16, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Users in eight new countries can now access these advanced features, which include priority notifications that appear at the top of the notification list, ensuring that important messages are not overlooked.
Additionally, the Apple Vision Pro app is automatically installed for users with the Apple Vision Pro headset, facilitating access to new spatial experiences and content. This integration is expected to transform how users interact with augmented reality, making it easier to discover and engage with various applications and experiences.
In the Photos app, users will find new filters that allow them to display or hide selected elements within their photo library. This update also introduces the ability to reorder items in collections, consistent filtering options across all collections, and the option to sort photos by the date of modification. Users can disable the visibility of 'Recently Viewed' and 'Recently Shared' collections in the app settings, providing more control over their photo management.
Moreover, the App Store has received significant upgrades, allowing users to pause and resume downloads and updates without losing progress. This feature is particularly useful for those with slower internet connections or limited data plans. The update also introduces eight new emoji characters, enhancing the expressive capabilities of users in their communications.
Safari has been improved with recent search suggestions that help users quickly revisit previous topics, streamlining the browsing experience. The setup assistant has also been refined to make it easier for parents to create accounts for their children, ensuring that appropriate settings are applied based on age.
In terms of language support, Apple Intelligence now accommodates ten additional languages, including Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. However, it’s worth noting that Polish is not included, which may limit access for some users in Poland. To utilize Apple Intelligence, users must change their device's language to one of the supported languages.
For users in the European Union, the update allows for a significant change in navigation preferences. Following the iOS 18.4 update, users can set their default navigation app from Apple Maps to Google Maps, providing more flexibility and choice in how they navigate their surroundings. This feature is particularly welcomed by those who prefer Google Maps for its extensive data and user-friendly interface.
As part of the ongoing commitment to enhancing user experience, Apple has also introduced ambient music playback directly from the Control Center. This feature offers users access to curated playlists that can accompany various activities throughout the day, enhancing the overall usability of their devices.
In the Home app, users now have the capability to control Matter-compatible robot vacuum cleaners, integrating smart home technology more seamlessly into everyday life. This enhancement is part of Apple's broader strategy to create a more interconnected ecosystem of devices that work together efficiently.
With the release of iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4, Apple is not only focusing on the immediate user experience but also laying the groundwork for future updates. The company is expected to unveil iOS 19 during the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2025, which will likely bring even more features and improvements.
As users transition to the new operating system, they are encouraged to back up their devices before installing the update. The installation process can be completed directly on the device through the Settings app or by connecting to a Mac and using Finder to check for updates.
Overall, the iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 updates represent a significant step forward for Apple, introducing features that enhance usability, improve accessibility, and integrate advanced technology into everyday tasks. With these updates, Apple continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation and user satisfaction, setting the stage for future advancements in mobile technology.
