Apple Unveils iPadOS 18.4: 5 Amazing Features You Must Try Immediately
Following a fairly uneventful iPadOS 18.3 update, Apple has officially released iPadOS 18.4 — and this time, it’s filled with significant improvements. From advanced email organization to broadened language support and innovative tools, this update introduces a variety of features that enhance productivity, personalization, and entertainment on your iPad. Here’s a summary of the top five features you should check out right away.
1. Completely Redesigned Mail Experience
One of the standout new features in iPadOS 18.4 is the overhauled Mail app. Apple has rolled out on-device categorization that automatically organizes incoming emails into four user-friendly folders:
– Primary: For personal and urgent messages
– Transactions: For receipts and confirmations
– Updates: For newsletters and social media alerts
– Promotions: For marketing emails and discounts
Additionally, a new digest view consolidates emails from the same sender, making it simpler to review and prioritize messages. This update brings the Mail app closer to the efficiency of third-party email clients, providing a more organized and streamlined inbox.
2. Broader Apple Intelligence Language Support
Apple is enhancing its AI features with increased language support in iPadOS 18.4. The update introduces the following languages for Apple Intelligence functionalities:
– Chinese
– French
– German
– Italian
– Brazilian Portuguese
– Spanish
– Japanese
– Korean
– Localized English for Singapore and India
This upgrade makes Apple’s AI tools more accessible to a global audience, enhancing interactions with Siri, dictation, and other language-sensitive features.
3. Image Playground Introduces Sketch Style
Image Playground, Apple’s AI-driven image creation tool, now features a new “Sketch” style. This adds to the current “Animation” and “Illustration” choices, providing users with greater creative versatility when generating images. Whether you’re crafting a presentation, creating content for social media, or simply enjoying a creative moment, the Sketch style imparts a hand-drawn look to your visuals.
4. Fresh Emojis for Enhanced Expression in Messaging
iPadOS 18.4 presents seven new emojis, including those approved by the Unicode Consortium last year. Though some may find them less thrilling than past releases, they still offer new ways to convey emotions in messages and on social media. Emojis remain a delightful and evolving aspect of digital communication, and this update ensures your emoji keyboard is up to date.
5. Lossless Audio Support for USB-C AirPods Max
Music enthusiasts will be thrilled — iPadOS 18.4 delivers lossless audio compatibility for USB-C AirPods Max when paired with a USB-C iPad. This enhancement allows you to enjoy high-fidelity music playback with minimal latency, ideal for engaging listening experiences or audio production. Simply connect your AirPods Max to your iPad using a USB-C cable to access this feature.
Bonus Features Worth Checking Out
Beyond the key highlights, iPadOS 18.4 brings several smaller yet valuable updates:
– Genmoji Labeling: The Genmoji keyboard icon now distinctly states “Genmoji,” making it easier to locate and utilize.
– Apple News+ Food Section: A new section in Apple News+ provides curated recipes, restaurant recommendations, and healthy eating advice.
– Ambient Music Controls: Control Center now features toggles for ambient soundscapes like Chill, Productivity, Sleep, and Wellbeing.
– Apple Maps Language Preference: You can now define a preferred language for directions, separate from your system language.
Final Thoughts
iPadOS 18.4 is a welcomed update that enriches the iPad experience in terms of productivity, creativity, and accessibility. Whether you’re managing a bustling inbox, relishing high-quality music, or discovering new AI utilities, this update offers something for everyone.
To install iPadOS 18.4, navigate to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPad. Ensure your device is backed up and connected to Wi-Fi before proceeding.
Stay tuned as Apple continues to release updates across its ecosystem, including iOS 18.4, macOS 15.4, watchOS 11.4, tvOS 18.4, and visionOS 2.4.
