The latest iteration, iOS 18.4 beta, continues to be absent of the anticipated AI-enhanced Siri functionalities, including the promised on-screen capabilities and app integrations unveiled during WWDC 2024. If these features are what you’re eagerly waiting for, you might consider trying iOS 18.5. Still, version 18.4 brings significant enhancements, such as Priority Notifications, an expanded language base for Apple Intelligence, making it more accessible for international users. Additionally, for the first time, iOS 18.4 will introduce Apple Intelligence to users located in the European Union. Below is a comprehensive overview of what’s new with this update.

Introducing Priority Notifications

A key addition in iOS 18.4 is the Priority Notifications feature. When activated, your iPhone employs on-device intelligence to assess the importance of notifications, elevating significant ones to a new Priority Notifications box that appears above standard alerts.

This feature will not be activated by default in the beta version. To enable it, navigate to Settings > Notifications > Prioritize Notifications and toggle the option on to begin incorporating it into your daily usage.

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With the release of iOS 18.4 Beta 2, the option to remove specific apps from the Priority Notifications feature has also been introduced, offering users control over which alerts they wish to see. So, if you prefer to exclude notifications from specific applications, like Uber Eats, simply toggle them off through the same settings menu.

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New Sketch Style in Image Playground

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A new creative option called Sketch has been introduced to the Image Playground. This feature generates images that resemble hand-drawn sketches on paper. It was first highlighted during WWDC, but is officially being rolled out with this update.

Visual Intelligence Expands to iPhone 15 Pro Series

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The Visual Intelligence capability, enabling real-time assistance through video interactions with Apple’s AI, was previously available on the iPhone 16e and is now incorporated for iPhone 15 Pro users in the iOS 18.4 update.

Users can assign this feature directly to the Action button, providing an alternate means of accessing it for phones equipped with a Camera Control option.

Apple Intelligence Integrated into Control Center

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If users wish to repurpose their hardware buttons but still access Visual Intelligence, they can now incorporate a new Visual Intelligence control into the Control Center. Furthermore, the Siri section within the Control Center has been rebranded to ‘Apple Intelligence & Siri’, including functionalities to either ‘Talk to Siri’ or ‘Type to Siri’.

Exciting New Emojis

New emojis often prompt users to update their iOS, and iOS 18.4 is introducing seven fresh and engaging emojis. This includes a new face emoji representing ‘Face with Bags Under Eyes’, and a fingerprint emoji. Also included are a shovel, a harp, a leafless tree, a splatter emoji, and the flag of Sark. Here’s how they look:

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Ambient Music Feature in Control Center

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With the introduction of iOS 18.4, users will discover a dedicated Ambient Music section within Control Center. This will feature curated playlists tailored for various moods: Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing. By selecting a mood, users can enjoy a specially crafted playlist from Apple Music.

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Each button in the Ambient Music section is associated with a default playlist, but customization is encouraged. Users can navigate to the Control Center’s edit mode and select different playlists (four options per control) or opt for any playlist from their library of music.

New Actions in Shortcuts App

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Version 18.4 of iOS brings a variety of new actions to the Shortcuts app, specifically targeting settings modifications for Apple’s native applications such as Safari, Maps, Calendar, Reminders, TV, Books, Notes, Voice Memos, and Weather. This enhancement is particularly beneficial for users who enjoy fine-tuning Apple’s built-in apps, and it could be setting the stage for Apple’s forthcoming Siri Intents feature, designed to enable Siri to interact with apps and execute tasks autonomously.

For instance, Safari shortcuts now allow users to toggle pop-up blockers, close tabs, select a search engine, and perform other similar tasks.

Apple Intelligence Now Available in the EU

In addition to its rollout in the EU, Apple Intelligence has added support for multiple languages including French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazilian), Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and simplified Chinese. Furthermore, there’s localized English support specifically for users in India and Singapore.

Introduction of Recipes in News+ App

The News app now features a new section called Apple News Food+ for subscribers, granting access to a vast array of aesthetically presented recipes, alongside stories, restaurant reviews, and more culinary content.

Redesigned Mail App for iPad and Mac

iPadOS 18.4 beta coupled with macOS 15.4 beta will see the arrival of the revamped Mail app on iPads and Macs. Once updated, users will gain access to email categorization and other AI-driven features available on their tablets and computers.

Enhanced Genmoji Button

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The Genmoji feature was previously somewhat concealed, appearing as a multicolored smiley face icon on the emoji keyboard. With the arrival of version 18.4, Apple has made improvements, clearly labeling it as “Genmoji” alongside the iconic rainbow smiley face, making it more noticeable.

New Widgets for Podcasts

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The Podcasts application has introduced two new widgets: one for your Library and another for Shows. The Library widget can display saved episodes, downloaded content, or the most recent episodes you listened to, while the Shows widget allows you to showcase episodes from a particular show on your Home Screen for easy access.

Expanded Options for Default Applications

Apple is broadening its choices for default apps, allowing users to select a different Translate app as default. Furthermore, users in the EU can now set a preferred navigation app. For users outside the EU, using Map Redirect offers a feasible workaround.

Updates to CarPlay

According to reports from users, CarPlay is set to feature a third row of app icons on the Home Screen, though the availability of this change may vary depending on the vehicle.

New Companion App for Apple Vision Pro

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A new companion app for the Apple Vision Pro has been introduced for iPhones. This app provides the ability to browse Vision Pro apps and content, allowing users to download them while the headset is not in use.

Additional Minor Updates

Alongside major enhancements, iOS 18.4 also incorporates a number of smaller modifications. Here’s a brief overview:

• During the setup of a new device featuring iOS 18.4, users will now have the option to select an age category: Child (12 or younger), Teen (13 to 17), and Adult (18 or older). Apple claims that this information will only be utilized to assist in establishing parental controls.

• A new List View option has been added to the editing interface in Albums, enhancing the ease of rearranging your photo collections.

• The Recently Deleted section in the Photos app now features a button for a quick Delete All action.

• Although not yet implemented, code within iOS 18.4 hints at upcoming support for NACS (North American Charging System) in the Apple Maps EV route planning tool.