# iOS 18.4: Anticipating Apple’s Upcoming Update
Apple is preparing to launch iOS 18.4, with the release candidate now accessible to developers and public beta testers. This update aims to improve the user experience on both iPhone and iPad, bringing a range of new features and enhancements.
## Essential Features of iOS 18.4
### Visual Intelligence on iPhone 15 Pro
A notable feature in the iOS 18.4 beta 2 is the rollout of Visual Intelligence for the iPhone 15 Pro. This visual search capability, under the Apple Intelligence brand, empowers users to utilize advanced visual recognition technology. Users can access this function through the Control Center, the Action button, or via Shortcuts on the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro. This integration is designed to facilitate a more intuitive and efficient information search process.
### New Emoji Characters
In an exciting update, iOS 18.4 beta 2 presents new emoji characters for the first time in a year. This introduction is sure to thrill users who enjoy conveying their emotions through the rich assortment of emojis available on their devices.
### Over 50 New Features
The initial beta of iOS 18.4 features a comprehensive update with more than 50 new functionalities and modifications. Among the key updates are:
– **CarPlay Design Enhancements**: Improvements to the CarPlay interface, making it more visually engaging and user-friendly.
– **Priority Notifications**: Utilizing Apple Intelligence, this feature lets users emphasize important notifications, ensuring they stay informed about crucial updates.
– **Apple News+ Food Recipes Service**: A new service that grants users access to a variety of food recipes, enriching the overall Apple News+ subscription experience.
– **Mood-Based Music Shortcuts**: Users can now find music shortcuts in the Control Center tailored to their mood, simplifying the process of locating the perfect soundtrack for any occasion.
### Language Support Expansion
Apple is also broadening its language support for Apple Intelligence with iOS 18.4. The update will offer support for an array of languages, including French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese (simplified), and localized English for Singapore and India. This expansion seeks to enhance accessibility for Apple’s services across a global audience.
## Release Timeline
The finalized version of iOS 18.4 is projected to be available to customers in April. As Apple wraps up this update, users can look forward to a smoother and more feature-rich experience on their devices.
## Conclusion
With iOS 18.4, Apple is not just upgrading its devices’ capabilities but also enhancing user experience through innovative features and broader language support. As the release date nears, users are encouraged to stay informed about further updates and insights on the new functionalities that will become available.
For more in-depth information and updates on iOS 18.4, be sure to keep an eye on tech news platforms like 9to5Mac, where they will continue to analyze the details of this thrilling software update.
