Apple released iOS 18.3 last month, which means the first beta for iOS 18.4 should be just around the corner. This update is expected to bring more noticeable changes, especially related to Apple Intelligence and other enhancements for the iPhone.
Expected Release Date
Apple’s website hints that iOS 18.4 will likely roll out in April, following a period of beta testing. Here’s a look at some of the key features and improvements that might be included in this update.
Smarter Siri with Apple Intelligence
Siri is set to become even more useful in iOS 18.4, thanks to Apple Intelligence. This update will introduce features like better on-screen awareness, more in-depth app controls, and a better understanding of user preferences. These changes should make Siri feel more intuitive and responsive.
However, Apple Intelligence will only work on iPhone 15 Pro models and newer devices, including all iPhone 16 models.
Expanded Language Support for Apple Intelligence in iOS 18.4
Apple previously confirmed that an upcoming software update—likely iOS 18.4—will expand Apple Intelligence’s language support. Currently, this feature is only available in localized English in select regions, including the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
With iOS 18.4, Apple Intelligence is expected to support more languages, including Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, and Vietnamese. However, Apple stated that only some of these languages will be added in April, while others will roll out in 2025.
Improved News Summaries in iOS 18.4
iOS 18.3 temporarily removed Apple Intelligence-powered notification summaries for news apps due to issues with inaccurate summaries. Apple has acknowledged this problem and promised improvements in a future update.
Starting in iOS 18.3, these summaries were marked with italicized text to make them visually distinct from regular notifications. Hopefully, with iOS 18.4, Apple will not only reintroduce them but also ensure they provide more accurate and reliable information.
iOS 18.4 New Emoji Additions
Apple has consistently introduced new emoji with past updates like iOS 15.4, 16.4, and 17.4. That pattern suggests iOS 18.4 will likely include fresh emoji as well.
The Unicode Consortium previewed a set of new emoji last year, which could appear in this update. Some of the new additions might include a face with bags under the eyes, a fingerprint, a leafless tree, a root vegetable, a harp, a shovel, and a splatter icon, among others.
Default Apps in the EU
Apple is making changes in response to the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which will soon allow iPhone and iPad users in the EU to set their default navigation and translation apps. This change is expected to go live in the spring of 2025, aligning with the potential release of iOS 18.4.
With this update, users in the EU will have the freedom to choose Google Maps, Waze, or other navigation apps as their default instead of Apple Maps. Similarly, they’ll be able to set Google Translate or Microsoft Translator as their go-to translation app, replacing Apple’s built-in Translate app. These new options will appear in the “Default Apps” section within the Settings menu, a feature introduced in iOS 18.2.
Home App Gets Robot Vacuum Support
Apple has confirmed that robot vacuum support is coming to the Home app in an upcoming iOS 18 update, though it hasn’t specified exactly when. If iOS 18.4 includes this feature, users will be able to control their robot vacuums directly from the Home app and through Siri commands.
Here’s how Apple describes the feature:
- Users can manage core functions like power control, cleaning mode, vacuuming, mopping, and checking the charging status.
- Robot vacuums will be able to participate in automations and scenes.
- Siri commands can trigger cleaning routines or perform spot cleaning in specific areas.
References to this feature appeared in iOS 18.3’s code, but it wasn’t activated. There’s a good chance iOS 18.4 will finally bring it to life.
Final Thoughts
iOS 18.4 is shaping up to be a feature-packed update with notable improvements across various areas. From Siri’s smarter capabilities to expanded language support and better customization options in the EU, this update could bring meaningful enhancements for iPhone users. As Apple begins beta testing, more details will emerge, giving us a clearer picture of what’s to come.
