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Apple’s latest software update, iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4, has finally arrived, bringing a handful of useful features and improvements to iPhones and iPads. Although the much-anticipated contextual Siri with on-screen awareness didn’t make it to this version, the update still includes several noteworthy additions. In this article, we’ll cover the top 10 features that iOS 18.4 brings to the table, from new emoji to revamped apps and even expanded smart home support. Here’s everything you need to know.
Top Features in iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4
1. New Emoji:
In iOS 18.4, users get seven new emoji characters. While these additions might not be groundbreaking, they help fill in some gaps in the emoji library. The new emoji include:
– Face with bags under eyes
– Fingerprint
– Leafless tree
– Root vegetable
– Harp
– Shovel
– Splatter
These emoji are exclusive to iOS 18.4, so sending them to someone using an older version will show up as blank squares.
2. Ambient Music:
A major new feature in the Control Center is Ambient Music, which offers four different instrumental music stations. Whether you need help with sleep, relaxation, productivity, or self-care, you can now enjoy music that matches your needs:
– Sleep: Sleep Sounds, Bedtime Beats, Sound Bath, Piano Sleep
– Chill: Piano Chill, Ambient Chill, Lo-Fi Jazz, Pure Chill
– Productivity: BEATStrumentals, Binaural Frequencies, Pure Focus, Classical Concentration
– Wellbeing: Pure Meditation, Spa, Beats & Breath, Pure Calm
This feature allows users to personalize their playlists and even access them from shortcuts in Control Center or the Lock Screen.
3. Prioritize Notifications:
For users with Apple Intelligence-enabled devices, the new Prioritize Notifications feature will help prioritize important notifications on your Lock Screen. This feature ensures that critical messages are easier to see, helping users focus on what matters most. Notifications are automatically categorized, but users can manually choose which apps should prioritize their notifications.
4. Visual Intelligence Shortcuts:
Another useful update for Apple Intelligence-capable iPhones is the addition of Visual Intelligence shortcuts in Control Center. This feature enables users to learn more about objects in their camera view via services like ChatGPT, Google Image Search, and Siri Knowledge. It can identify plants, animals, and even add events to your calendar from posters or flyers.
5. Apple News+ Food Recipes:
Apple News+ subscribers will now find a new food recipes section within the News app. It includes detailed step-by-step recipes, embedded timers, and ingredient lists, making it easy to follow along. This feature is particularly useful on larger devices like the iPad, and could potentially integrate into future Apple products like the HomePad, positioning itself as a smart kitchen assistant.
6. Robot Vacuum Support Over Matter:
For users with a robot vacuum that supports Matter, iOS 18.4 introduces the ability to add the device to the Home app. This means you can now start, stop, and schedule vacuuming sessions directly through Siri. The integration of Matter into iOS ensures better compatibility with smart home devices.
7. macOS Proximity-Based Setup:
With the release of macOS 15.4 and iOS 18.4, users can now enjoy proximity-based setup for new Macs. This feature, which was previously available only on iPhones and iPads, allows you to easily set up new Mac devices by bringing them close to an iPhone or iPad.
8. iPadOS Mail App Updates:
The iPadOS Mail app receives several updates in iOS 18.4, including the of new categories like Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions. These changes align the iPadOS Mail app with its iPhone counterpart, offering better organization and easier management of incoming emails.
9. Photos App Updates:
The Photos app has received some useful tweaks in iOS 18.4. Users can now sort items in utilities and media types sections, filter out items not in albums, and view Shared with You content more easily. Additionally, the albums section can now switch between a list view and a key photo view for better organization.
10. Hide Recent Searches in Safari:
Lastly, iOS 18.4 gives users the option to hide recent searches in Safari, a small but practical feature that enhances privacy. Simply head to Settings → Apps → Safari, and turn off the Show Recent Searches option.
What Undercode Says:
Despite some exciting features, the iOS 18.4 update is a mixed bag for users. On one hand, the new features like Ambient Music and Prioritize Notifications stand out as meaningful additions to improve daily iPhone use. These additions align with Apple’s push to integrate more personalized experiences into their ecosystem. However, the biggest disappointment is the delay of contextual Siri with on-screen awareness. Given how much hype surrounded this feature, its absence is felt. Apple’s decision to push it to a future iOS 19 update is a setback for those hoping for a more intuitive voice assistant experience.
The integration of Visual Intelligence into Control Center is a step forward, offering users faster access to a powerful feature. By simplifying the process of getting information about the world around them, Apple continues to improve its machine learning capabilities, bringing them closer to mainstream use. Similarly, the updates to the Photos app and Mail app show that Apple is focused on fine-tuning the user experience, ensuring that iPhones and iPads remain efficient tools for both productivity and entertainment.
Other noteworthy updates, like robot vacuum support and proximity-based setup for new Macs, highlight Apple’s ongoing efforts to expand the interoperability of its devices. These additions will likely be particularly appreciated by users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem.
However, iOS 18.4 does feel like a bridge update, making necessary improvements and adding useful features without any major breakthroughs. While it’s clear that Apple is working on enhancing its products, the delay of one of the most anticipated features this year may leave some users frustrated.
Fact Checker Results:
- iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 bring substantial usability improvements, especially in terms of ambient music and notifications.
- While the contextual Siri feature is missing, the delay indicates Apple’s commitment to delivering a polished experience rather than rushing out unfinished features.
- The new integrations, like robot vacuum support and proximity-based setup, expand Apple’s ecosystem, showcasing their strategy to streamline connectivity between devices.
References:
Reported By: https://9to5mac.com/2025/03/31/top-10-ios-18-4-features-new-emoji-ambient-music-and-more-video
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