# iOS 18.4: An In-Depth Look at Fresh Features and Improvements
Apple has officially launched iOS 18.4, introducing a variety of exciting features and enhancements for iPhone users worldwide. This update not only enriches user experience but also unveils new functionalities leveraging Apple’s cutting-edge technologies. Below, we explore the essential highlights from the iOS 18.4 release notes.
## Major Features of iOS 18.4
### Enhancements to Apple Intelligence
For users of the iPhone 16 models, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max, iOS 18.4 brings several features aimed at optimizing notifications and fostering creativity:
– **Priority Notifications**: Key notifications are now prioritized, showing up at the top of your notification list to ensure important alerts are not overlooked.
– **Sketch in Image Playground**: Users can create beautiful sketches using the new Sketch style option in the Image Playground.
– **Broader Language Support**: Apple Intelligence features now accommodate eight additional languages and two new English locales, improving accessibility for users around the globe.
### Apple Vision Pro Application
The debut of the **Apple Vision Pro app** is a noteworthy addition for users equipped with the Apple Vision Pro headset. This application aides in discovering fresh content and spatial experiences, while offering rapid access to device information, enhancing the overall user experience.
### Improvements to Apple News+
iOS 18.4 brings thrilling updates to Apple News+, especially for cooking enthusiasts:
– **Recipe Integration**: Users can now find recipes from well-known publishers, streamlining the search for culinary inspiration.
– **Recipe Catalog**: This function enables users to browse, search, and save their preferred recipes effortlessly.
– **Cooking Mode**: A special cooking mode provides step-by-step instructions, simplifying the process of following recipes while preparing food.
– **Expanded Food Section**: The Food section now features articles on restaurants, kitchen tips, and healthy eating, enriching the content available to users.
### Upgrades to the Photos App
The Photos app experiences numerous enhancements aimed at boosting organization and usability:
– **New Filtering Options**: Users can now filter items in the Library view to display or hide non-album items or those synced from a Mac or PC.
– **Reordering Media**: Users can rearrange items in the Media Types and Utilities collections for improved organization.
– **Unified Sorting Options**: All collections now offer consistent filtering options, including sorting by oldest or newest first.
– **Album Sorting**: Users can categorize albums by Date Modified, enhancing the management of photo collections.
– **Privacy Enhancements**: Hidden photos will not be included in imports to a Mac or PC if Face ID is activated.
### Additional Improvements and Bug Fixes
iOS 18.4 encompasses a range of enhancements and bug fixes that boost overall functionality:
– **Safari Search Suggestions**: Recently viewed search suggestions in Safari assist users in quickly returning to previous topics.
– **Child Account Setup**: The Setup Assistant streamlines the process of creating Child Accounts, employing child-friendly default settings.
– **Screen Time App Limits**: App Limits now remain effective even if a child uninstalls and reinstalls an app.
– **App Store Improvements**: User reviews now feature summaries for quick insights, and users can pause and resume app downloads without losing progress.
– **New Podcast Widgets**: Podcast widgets allow users to track followed shows and easily access frequently used sections.
– **Ambient Music Access**: Users can instantly play curated playlists from Control Center, enhancing the listening experience.
– **Apple Fitness+ Collections**: Users can now add Fitness+ Collections to their Library for more straightforward access.
– **Home App Enhancements**: Matter-compatible robot vacuum cleaners can now be controlled and incorporated into scenes and automations.
– **Broader Language Support**: The update adds ten new system languages, including several Indian languages.
## Conclusion
The launch of iOS 18.4 signifies an important advancement for Apple, enhancing user experience through innovative features, better organization, and expanded language support. Whether you are a creative looking to explore new artistic outlets or a culinary enthusiast eager to discover new recipes, this update provides something for everyone. Users are encouraged to update their devices to fully benefit from these new features and enhancements.
