Title: iOS 18.4 Update: Fresh Features, Unwanted App Installations, and AirPods Max Problems
Apple’s newest iPhone software iteration, iOS 18.4, has rolled out a variety of new features and improvements for the iOS environment. Nevertheless, shortly after its launch, users have started to report peculiar issues — such as the unexpected return or installation of random applications and troubles with the AirPods Max firmware update. Here’s a summary of what’s new in iOS 18.4, the problems arising, and what users can anticipate moving ahead.
New Features in iOS 18.4
iOS 18.4 introduces several significant enhancements, particularly in the area of Apple Intelligence and device interoperability. Key improvements include:
1. Broader Apple Intelligence Language Support
Apple has expanded its Apple Intelligence platform to include languages beyond just English. Users now have access to features in Brazilian Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Korean, and Chinese, among others. This growth enhances the accessibility of Apple’s AI-driven tools for an international audience.
2. Visual Intelligence for iPhone 16e and iPhone 15 Pro
With the launch of iOS 18.4, Apple has enabled Visual Intelligence capabilities for users of the iPhone 16e and iPhone 15 Pro. This feature, which can be accessed through the Action Button, allows users to engage with their devices in a more intuitive and visually comprehensive manner.
3. General Improvements and Bug Fixes
The update also brings performance upgrades, security enhancements, and tweaks to existing apps and services, with the aim to improve the overall user experience.
Unexpected App Installations: A Glitch or Something Deeper?
In spite of the thrilling new features, numerous users are facing a concerning issue: random applications surfacing on their devices after upgrading to iOS 18.4. Multiple discussions on Reddit reveal that users have spotted apps like Dropbox, Last War, Ingress, Cooking Mama, and even Squid Game being installed or reinstated without their approval.
Some users assert that they never downloaded these apps initially, while others mention having uninstalled them a long time ago. The issue seems to be widespread, although no clear connection can be found linking the affected apps. Currently, it is suspected to be a bug in iOS 18.4 rather than a security vulnerability or malware.
Apple has yet to officially recognize the issue, but, given their history, a remedy is probably already underway and may be featured in an upcoming iOS 18.4.1 or 18.5 release.
AirPods Max Firmware Update Withdrawn
Another major setback with iOS 18.4 relates to the AirPods Max. Apple had implemented a firmware update aimed at providing lossless audio support to USB-C AirPods Max users while using a wired connection. However, this update was retracted just a day post-release.
The cause for the withdrawal remains unknown, yet it has left many users dissatisfied, particularly those who were eagerly looking forward to the much-anticipated lossless audio feature. Apple is likely to reissue the update once the issues have been rectified.
What Should Users Do?
If you’ve recently upgraded to iOS 18.4 and spotted unfamiliar apps on your device, here are several actions you can undertake:
– Manually remove the unwanted apps.
– Review your App Store purchase history to check if the apps were previously downloaded.
– Monitor your device for any unusual activity or performance issues.
– Stay alert for future software updates from Apple that might fix this bug.
For AirPods Max users, it’s advisable to wait for Apple to reissue the firmware update that includes the promised features and stability enhancements.
Looking Ahead
While iOS 18.4 presents thrilling new functionalities, the unforeseen app installations and AirPods Max firmware complications have somewhat overshadowed the update. Apple has an excellent history of promptly resolving bugs, so users can likely look forward to a fix soon.
In the meantime, iPhone users are encouraged to keep themselves updated, report any unusual behaviors to Apple Support, and regularly back up their devices.
Stay tuned for further updates as Apple continues to enhance iOS 18.4 and its related features.
