# iOS 18.4: Everything You Should Know About the New Update
Apple is preparing to launch the second Release Candidate (RC) build of iOS 18.4, which is currently being rolled out to developers and public beta testers. This update is significant as it introduces a variety of new features, improvements, and bug fixes designed to enhance user experience across numerous iPhone models. With the official launch anticipated in April, here’s an in-depth summary of what iOS 18.4 brings to the table.
## Key Features and Improvements
### Apple Intelligence
A key highlight of iOS 18.4 is the debut of **Apple Intelligence**, available on select iPhone models, including all iPhone 16 variants and the iPhone 15 Pro line. This feature improves notification management by prioritizing key alerts, making it easier for users to spot notifications that need immediate attention. Furthermore, the update introduces a new **Sketch** style option in the Image Playground, enabling users to craft impressive sketch illustrations.
Apple Intelligence also broadens its language support, now including eight additional languages and two new English locales, thereby improving accessibility for a wider audience.
### Apple Vision Pro App
For those using the Apple Vision Pro, a new app will be automatically added, acting as a gateway to explore new content and spatial experiences. This app offers easier access to information about the device, enabling users to navigate their new technology more effectively.
### Apple News+
The Apple News+ service has undergone a major upgrade with the addition of a **Recipes** feature. Users can now explore a range of recipes from famous publishers, browse a catalog, and save their favorite meals. The new **Cooking Mode** provides step-by-step assistance, facilitating easier recipe adherence while cooking.
### Photos Enhancements
The Photos app has undergone several upgrades, including new filtering options that permit users to display or hide items not found in albums or synced from other devices. Users are now capable of rearranging items in media collections, sorting albums by modification dates, and turning off “Recently Viewed” and “Recently Shared” collections for improved privacy. Moreover, hidden photos will be excluded from imports to Macs or PCs if Face ID is activated.
### Additional Updates
iOS 18.4 also encompasses a range of enhancements and bug fixes throughout the system:
– **Safari** now delivers recent search suggestions to assist users in quickly returning to prior topics.
– The **Setup Assistant** has been optimized for parents establishing Child Accounts, with settings suitable for children readily available.
– **Screen Time** App Limits will persist even if a child uninstalls and reinstalls an app.
– The **App Store** incorporates summaries for user reviews, enabling quicker insights.
– Users can pause and resume app downloads or updates without losing progress.
– New **Podcasts** widgets have been introduced, including a Followed Shows widget and a Library widget.
– **Ambient Music** lets users instantly play curated playlists from the Control Center.
– **Apple Fitness+ Collections** can now be saved to the Library for easier access.
– Matter-compatible devices, including robotic vacuum cleaners, can now be managed through the Home app.
– Support for ten new system languages has been added, including various Indian languages, enhancing accessibility for non-English speakers.
## Compatibility
iOS 18.4 will be accessible for all iPhone models that are compatible with iOS 18. However, the advanced Apple Intelligence features will be exclusively available on the following models:
– iPhone 16 Pro Max
– iPhone 15 Pro
– iPhone 15 Pro Max
– iPhone 16
– iPhone 16 Plus
– iPhone 16 Pro
– iPhone 16 Pro Max
– iPhone 16e
## Conclusion
With the upcoming release of iOS 18.4, Apple continues to enrich its ecosystem, emphasizing user experience, accessibility, and innovative features. As the update becomes available to the public in April, users can anticipate a more streamlined and feature-packed experience on their iPhones. Stay tuned for further updates and insights as we near the official launch.
