Apple surprised users by launching iOS 18.4 on Monday, March 31—ahead of its anticipated April release. The update introduces major upgrades, including Apple Intelligence enhancements, new emoji, and Vision Pro integration. Here’s everything you need to know.
Which iPhones Support iOS 18.4?
The update is compatible with all iPhones from the iPhone Xs (2018) onward, including the Xs Max, XR, SE (2nd/3rd gen), and the entire iPhone 16 lineup (even the new iPhone 16e).
How to Install iOS 18.4
- Open Settings > General > Software Update.
- Tap Download and Install.
The update is sizable (3.76GB on iPhone 16 Pro Max) but installs in ~10 minutes.
Top iOS 18.4 Features
- Apple Intelligence Upgrades (iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max & iPhone 16 Series):
- Priority Notifications: Filters critical alerts to reduce clutter.
- Image Playground “Sketch” Style: Adds a third creative tool alongside Animation and Illustration.
- Expanded Language Support: Adds French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, and English (India/Singapore).
- New Emoji: Bags-under-eyes smiley (a likely favorite), fingerprint, splatter, harp, shovel, Sark flag, and more.
- Vision Pro Companion App: Automatically added to iPhones, offering content discovery and device management for headset owners.
- Photos App Improvements:
- Enhanced sorting, filters, and album organization.
- Hidden photos excluded from Mac/PC imports if Face ID is enabled.
- News+ Food Focus: Recipes, kitchen tips, and a Recipe Catalog for saving dishes.
- Safari & Parental Controls:
- Refined search suggestions for revisiting past queries.
- Child Account setup now blocks app reinstallation loopholes to enforce Screen Time.
- App Store & Home App:
- Pause/resume app downloads without losing progress.
- Control Matter-compatible robot vacuums via Home app.
- Podcasts & Fitness+ Widgets: Track favorite shows or access recent episodes. Save Fitness+ collections to your Library.
- Ambient Music: Direct Control Center access for quick tuning.
Why the Early Release?
Apple initially hinted at an April 1 launch but rolled out iOS 18.4 on March 31 after a second Release Candidate beta on March 28. The update prioritizes performance refinements and feature polish, making it a must-download for eligible devices.
Stay ahead with iOS 18.4’s smarter tools, creative features, and streamlined controls—all available now.