Upcoming Apple Intelligence Features In IOS 18.4

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New Features in iOS 18.4: What to Expect from Apple’s Latest Update

Apple’s upcoming update, iOS 18.4, is set to launch in April 2025. Originally, this update was supposed to introduce several exciting new features powered by Apple Intelligence, particularly for Siri. However, Apple decided to hold off on these enhancements for further testing. Even without those features, there are still some notable additions in iOS 18.4 that users can look forward to.

Priority Notifications: Keeping You Informed

One of the standout features of iOS 18.4 is Priority Notifications. Introduced during Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2024, this feature analyzes your notifications to highlight the most important ones based on context and timing.

For example, if you have an ordered meal that is about to arrive, that notification will be given priority over others. This ensures that you see critical updates first. The Priority Notifications feature is opt-in. To enable it, you need to navigate to Settings > Notifications > Prioritize Notifications. Once activated, these notifications will appear prominently at the top of your Lock Screen, allowing you to easily spot what matters most while still being able to access all your other notifications with a simple swipe.

Image Playground: More Creative Options

The Image Playground app received some exciting enhancements in iOS 18.4. Initially, users could create images using Animation and Illustration styles. Now, a third option called "Sketch" has been added.

The Sketch option offers a unique hand-drawn look, differing from the 3D styles of Animation and Illustration. Apple describes Sketch as a "highly detailed and academic" style that creates beautiful drawings against striking backgrounds. The Illustration style uses strong outlines and bold colors, while the Animation style feels more like a whimsical 3D cartoon.

Choosing from these three styles offers users more creative freedom when making their images. Whether you’re looking to create a cartoon, an illustrated scene, or a hand-drawn piece, the Image Playground now has you covered.

Language Support: Expanding Accessibility

With iOS 18.4, Apple is also adding support for several new languages. This update includes:

French
German
Italian
Portuguese (Brazil)
Spanish
Japanese
Korean
Chinese (simplified)

Additionally, localized English versions will be available for users in Singapore and India. This feature reflects Apple’s commitment to making its technology more accessible to users around the globe by supporting a wider range of languages.

iOS 18.4 Release Timeline

Currently, Apple has released a beta version of iOS 18.4 to developers and public testers. A second beta is expected soon. Throughout March 2025, further testing is planned, with the official release anticipated in early April.

While testing, users can provide feedback on the features and identify any issues, allowing Apple to refine the update before it reaches the broader audience.

Future Siri Features: What We Can Expect

Though iOS 18.4 will not include the new Siri features that were initially planned, there is a chance these enhancements could find their way into a later beta phase or even a subsequent update, such as iOS 18.5. Major updates usually roll out during new iOS versions, but Apple may choose to introduce some functionalities sooner.

However, it’s important to note that the introduction of significant features in a minor update like iOS 18.5 is somewhat rare. Typically, Apple focuses on minor improvements and refinements in these updates. Users can, however, expect that the gradual rollout approach seen in iOS 18 may continue into iOS 19, as Apple prioritizes refining existing features based on user feedback and testing.

Conclusion: Is iOS 18.4 Worth the Upgrade?

Despite the absence of some anticipated features, iOS 18.4 still promises valuable enhancements that improve user experience. The new Priority Notifications will keep you informed about crucial updates, while the Image Playground’s additional creative options allow for more artistic expression.

Moreover, the expansion of language support across iOS means that more users worldwide can enjoy Apple’s ecosystem in their preferred language. With the release expected soon, iOS 18.4 is shaping up to be a significant update worth considering for any iPhone or iPad user.

Stay tuned for the official launch in April, and enjoy exploring all the new features that Apple has to offer!