The release of iOS 18.4 continues Apple’s tradition of setting the standard for smartphone operating systems with its iOS platform. Apple has pushed the envelope to improve security, add innovative features, and improve the user experience with each update. This article explores iOS 18.4, looking at its enhancements, new features, and implications for users globally.
iOS 18.4 Release date
In January 27, 2025, Apple released iOS 18.4 Features, demonstrating a commitment to incremental device updates. This update works with iPhone 12 and 15 models and improves productivity, accessibility, and enjoyment.
Although the iOS 18 series came with a number of major changes, like Smart Widgets and the AI-powered Personal Voice feature, version 18.4 improves and expands on these features.
iOS 18.4 Features
Enhanced Privacy and Security Features
Apple’s ecosystem is based on its commitment to consumer privacy. iOS 18.4 brings a number of new privacy features, including:
Advanced App Tracking Transparency (ATT): Originally introduced in iOS 14.5, Advanced App Tracking Transparency (ATT) is improved in version 18.4 by providing consumers with even more precise control over app tracking permissions. Now, users can give apps temporary access for a predetermined amount of time.
End-to-End Encrypted iCloud Backups: Apple has made iCloud backups completely secured at a time when data breaches are common. As a result, your iCloud-stored images, chats, and app data are now just as safe as your iMessage exchanges.
Passwordless Login Integration: With iOS 18.4, passkeys are used more frequently, enabling safe, easy logins with biometric authentication on more websites and applications.
Artificial Intelligence and Siri Improvements
AI is still a major factor in Apple software upgrades. With iOS 18.4, Siri has changed significantly:
- AI Processing on-Device: Siri now handles the majority of commands locally on the device, which lowers latency and enhances privacy.
- Context-Aware Suggestions: Siri can now make recommendations depending on the time of day and how an app is used. If you meditate every night, for example, Siri may ask you to begin your session.
- Better Personal Voice: Originally unveiled in iOS 18, the Personal Voice feature, which was created for people who could be speechless, now supports more languages and provides speech options that sound more natural.
Updated Control Centre
The updated Control Centre is among the most noticeable updates in iOS 18.4. Apple has redesigned this indispensable tool to make it more user-friendly and adaptable:
- Dynamic Layouts: To prioritise commonly used controls, users can now rearrange Control Centre widgets.
- Quick Settings: You can access more extensive settings without opening the Settings app by long-pressing specific symbols, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
- Integration with Live Activities: Live Activities, which were first included in previous iterations, now have their own section in the Control Centre and provide real-time updates from apps such as delivery services or sports scores.
Improvements in Performance
According to Apple, iOS 18.4 is their most optimised release to date. Better multitasking performance, slicker animations, and quicker app launches are all to be expected. On older smartphones, like the iPhone 12, this improvement is especially apparent, guaranteeing that even ageing hardware can take use of the newest software.
Smart Charging 2.0, another new battery optimisation feature from Apple, learns a user’s charging patterns and adjusts charging cycles to extend battery life.
Updates to Core Apps
iOS 18.4 has brought significant changes to a number of stock apps, increasing their use and versatility:
Notifications
- Users can rapidly locate particular messages, links, or attachments with improved search criteria.
- Enhanced voice message transcription capabilities.
Letter
- Automatically, smart categorisation groups emails into tabs such as “Personal,” “Work,” and “Promotions.”
- Set up reminders to remind you to follow up on emails.
Safari
- Real-time translation of webpages with an integrated translator.
- Tabs are locked behind Face ID or Touch ID in the enhanced Private Browsing mode.
App for Health
- Enhanced journaling capabilities and other mental health tracking tools.
- Connectivity with external health equipment to obtain more comprehensive information.
Expanded Accessibility Features
Accessibility is still a top priority for Apple, and iOS 18.4 offers a number of ground-breaking features:
- Real-time captioning for any audio is possible with iOS 18.4, whether you’re watching a video or participating in a FaceTime call.
- VoiceOver gestures can now be customised by users, which improves navigation by allowing them to link particular VoiceOver operations to custom gestures.
- Improvements to Sound Recognition: More sounds, such doorbells or fire alarms, can now be recognised by the system, which can notify the user.
Gaming and Entertainment
Since Apple Arcade is becoming more popular, iOS 18.4 has a number of enhancements specifically designed for gamers:
- Game Mode: This new feature disables alarms and prioritises CPU/GPU performance during games.
- Spatial audio accuracy improvements make AirPods Pro and Max games more immersive.
- Gamers can now share their screen while playing games directly to Apple TV or FaceTime calls.
The newly redesigned Apple TV software provides movie buffs with personalised suggestions based on their viewing preferences and easily connects with other streaming services.
iPad-Specific Features
Although iOS 18.4 is mostly an iPhone upgrade, iPadOS 18.4 users can also take use of the following features:
- Better Multitasking: More split-screen apps are now supported by the Stage Manager function, which has been improved.
- Improved support for third-party peripherals and simpler device pairing are two examples of Universal Control improvements.
- Integration with Procreate: Procreate’s latest iOS 18.4-optimized technologies, such as AI-assisted designs and dynamic pencil shading, are now available to artists.
iOS 18.4 Update
It is easy to update to iOS 18.4:
- Backup Your Device: To protect your data, use a PC or iCloud.
- Verify Compatibility: Make sure your gadget is compatible with iOS 18.4.
- Install after downloading: Follow the instructions after selecting Settings > General > Software Update.
Conclusion
iOS 18.4 is yet another example of Apple’s unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. With features powered by AI and improved security, this upgrade meets a wide spectrum of user needs. The overall improvements make it a must-have for Apple aficionados, even though a few small bugs still exist.
iOS 18.4 offers much to offer both casual users and gamers as well as those who are heavily involved in the Apple ecosystem. Future consumers should anticipate even more revolutionary features as Apple keeps improving its software.