IOS 18.4

IOS 18.4 new version released, check new things

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IOS 18.4 : As the autumn leaves begin to fall across Australia, Apple has rolled out its latest software update, iOS 18.4, bringing a fresh array of features and improvements to iPhone users Down Under.

This update, released in April 2025, continues Apple’s tradition of refining and enhancing the iOS experience.

Let’s dive into the myriad of changes and additions that iOS 18.4 brings to the table, with a special focus on how these updates impact Australian users.

1. Apple News+ Food: A Culinary Revolution

One of the most exciting additions for Australian foodies is the new Food section in Apple News+. This feature is set to transform how Aussies discover and engage with culinary content:

  • Vast Recipe Catalog: Tens of thousands of recipes are now at your fingertips, with new additions daily. Whether you’re craving a classic Aussie barbecue or looking to experiment with international cuisine, there’s something for every palate.
  • Curated Stories: Apple News editors handpick food-related stories, ensuring you stay up-to-date with the latest trends in the Australian culinary scene.
  • User-Friendly Recipe Format: The beautifully designed recipe layout makes it a breeze to review ingredients and follow directions. A new ‘cook mode’ takes instructions full-screen, perfect for those messy kitchen moments.
  • Offline Access: Save your favourite recipes for later and access them even without an internet connection – ideal for those camping trips in the Outback.

2. Ambient Music: Soundscapes for Every Mood

iOS 18.4 introduces a new Ambient Music feature to the Control Center, offering quick access to curated playlists across four categories:

  • Sleep: Gentle tunes to help you drift off after a long day.
  • Chill: Relaxing melodies perfect for a lazy Sunday arvo.
  • Productivity: Focus-enhancing tracks to boost your workday efficiency.
  • Wellbeing: Calming sounds to promote mindfulness and relaxation.

This feature is particularly welcome for Australians looking to unwind after a busy day or seeking background music for their next beach meditation session.

3. Priority Notifications: Cutting Through the Digital Noise

In our increasingly connected world, the ability to filter important notifications from the noise is crucial. iOS 18.4 introduces a new Apple Intelligence feature that automatically identifies and surfaces your most important notifications on the Lock Screen.

For Australians juggling work, family, and social commitments, this feature ensures you never miss critical updates, whether it’s a message from your child’s school or an important work email.

4. Visual Intelligence Expansion

The Visual Intelligence feature, previously limited to certain devices, has now been expanded. Users of iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 models can now leverage this powerful tool without needing Camera Control on their device.

This expansion is particularly exciting for Australian photographers and content creators, offering enhanced capabilities for image analysis and manipulation on a wider range of devices.

5. New Emoji: Expressing Aussie Culture

iOS 18.4 brings a suite of new emoji to enrich your digital conversations:

  • Face with Bags Under Eyes: Perfect for expressing that feeling after a long night watching the Australian Open.
  • Fingerprint: A nod to the increasing importance of digital security.
  • Leafless Tree: Ideal for depicting the Australian landscape during drought seasons.
  • Root Vegetable: Great for discussions about Australia’s agricultural bounty.
  • Harp: For music lovers and those discussing classical performances at the Sydney Opera House.
  • Shovel: A versatile emoji for gardening enthusiasts or discussions about Australia’s mining industry.
  • Splatter: Useful for artistic expressions or describing messy situations.

These new additions provide Australians with more nuanced ways to express themselves in the digital realm, reflecting aspects of local culture and environment.

6. Apple Vision Pro App: A Glimpse into the Future

While the Apple Vision Pro headset is not yet available in Australia, iOS 18.4 introduces a dedicated app for Vision Pro users. This app offers:

  • A new way to download apps and games from the App Store
  • Discovery of Apple TV content
  • Helpful Vision Pro tips
  • Quick access to information about the user’s Vision Pro

This addition hints at Apple’s plans to bring its mixed reality technology to the Australian market in the future, potentially revolutionizing how Aussies interact with digital content.

7. Enhanced EV Routing in Apple Maps

As Australia continues to embrace electric vehicles, iOS 18.4 brings improvements to EV routing in Apple Maps.

The update enhances the ability to find EV chargers for certain cars during trips, making it easier for environmentally conscious Australians to plan long drives across the vast continent.

8. Customizable Priority Notifications

Building on the Priority Notifications feature, iOS 18.4 now allows users to customize which apps are included or excluded from this AI-powered tool.

This level of customization ensures that Australians can tailor their notification experience to their specific needs and preferences.

9. Expanded Language Support for Apple Intelligence

iOS 18.4 makes Apple Intelligence available in more languages, including French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese (Simplified), English (Singapore), and English (India).

While this doesn’t directly impact Australian English users, it reflects Apple’s commitment to global accessibility and sets the stage for potential future enhancements for the diverse linguistic landscape of Australia.

10. New Sketch Style in Image Playground

The Image Playground feature, powered by Apple Intelligence, now includes a new “Sketch” drawing style alongside the existing “Animation” and “Illustration” styles.

This addition provides Australian users with more creative options for generating images based on text descriptions, perfect for quick visual brainstorming or artistic experimentation.

11. CarPlay Enhancements

For Australians with vehicles equipped with large dashboard displays, CarPlay in iOS 18.4 now shows an extra row of app icons on a single page.

This improvement enhances the driving experience, allowing for easier access to a wider range of apps while on the road.

12. Default App Settings

In a move towards greater user customization, iOS 18.4 allows users to set default apps for maps and translation worldwide.

This means Australians can now choose their preferred navigation app (such as Google Maps) as the default, streamlining their digital experience.

13. Shortcuts App Actions

iOS 18.4 introduces new actions in the Shortcuts app, hinting at upcoming Siri upgrades. These additions provide more granular control over various Apple apps, allowing tech-savvy Australians to create more sophisticated automated workflows.

14. Control Center Additions

Building on the new Ambient Music controls introduced in the first beta, iOS 18.4 beta 2 adds controls for Visual Intelligence and Talk to Siri in the Control Center.

This expansion of quick-access controls enhances the overall user experience for Australians, providing faster access to key features.

15. Australian-Specific Siri Voices

In a nod to the Australian market, iOS 18.4 introduces two new Australian voices for Siri. This addition not only provides more options for users but also reflects Apple’s commitment to localization and cultural representation.

IOS 18.4 The Road Ahead: What’s Missing and What’s Next

While iOS 18.4 brings a plethora of new features and improvements, some anticipated updates are notably absent:

  • Delayed Apple Intelligence Siri Features: The highly anticipated AI-powered upgrades to Siri, including personal context and on-screen awareness, have been postponed. Apple has stated that these features will be rolled out “in the coming year,” suggesting they may appear in future updates or possibly in iOS 19.
  • Gradual Feature Rollout: As with previous major updates, some features of iOS 18.4 may be introduced gradually through subsequent point releases. Australian users should keep an eye out for iOS 18.4.1, 18.4.2, and so on, which may bring additional refinements and features.

IOS 18.4 Conclusion: A Solid Step Forward for Australian iPhone Users

iOS 18.4 represents a significant update for Australian iPhone users, bringing a mix of new features, refinements, and localized enhancements.

From the culinary delights of Apple News+ Food to the productivity boosts offered by Priority Notifications and expanded Visual Intelligence, there’s something for everyone in this update.

The introduction of Australian Siri voices and the improvements to EV routing demonstrate Apple’s commitment to the Australian market.

Meanwhile, the new emoji selections and Ambient Music features cater to the diverse lifestyle and expressive needs of Aussie users.

While some anticipated AI features have been delayed, the groundwork laid in iOS 18.4 hints at exciting developments on the horizon.

As we look towards future updates and the eventual release of iOS 19, it’s clear that Apple continues to innovate and refine the iOS experience for users Down Under and around the world.

For Australian iPhone users, iOS 18.4 offers a blend of global features and local touches, enhancing both productivity and enjoyment.

As autumn settles in across the country, there’s no better time to update your iPhone and explore the new possibilities that iOS 18.4 brings to your digital life.

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