Apple released the iOS 18.4 Release Candidate to developers yesterday, indicating an imminent public rollout likely next week. Despite a backlash centered around the postponed advanced Siri features initially anticipated in this update, there are numerous exciting enhancements to look forward to.
In the latest episode of iOS Decoded, join us for a hands-on demonstration of more than 50 new features and adjustments introduced in the iOS 18.4 Release Candidate. Don’t forget to subscribe to 9to5Mac on YouTube for comprehensive iOS explorations.
What’s New in iOS 18.4 Release Candidate?
While this post cannot cover every single change, I’ve handpicked 10 notable features that many users may enjoy. For a detailed overview, check out the nearly 20-minute video.
Updates for AirPods Max with USB-C
Apple has surprised users by announcing that iOS 18.4 will deliver significant enhancements to the USB-C AirPods Max. The update introduces support for wired connections through USB-C, aligning it with earlier Lightning-enabled models. More importantly, it includes capabilities for 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio and ultra-low latency, which is especially beneficial for creators. This makes the USB-C AirPods Max a more appealing choice.
Control Center Shortcut for Visual Intelligence
With the release of the iPhone 16e, sans the Camera Control button present in higher-end models, Apple facilitated access to Visual Intelligence through alternate methods. Fortunately, this feature has also rolled out to other iPhone models compatible with Apple Intelligence, particularly the iPhone 15 Pro.
Now, in iOS 18.4, users can quickly access Visual Intelligence through a Control Center shortcut. Additionally, this feature can be assigned to launch via a Lock Screen shortcut or through the Action button, addressing a notable gap for iPhone 15 Pro users, whose devices support a wide array of available Apple Intelligence functionalities.
Ambient Music
Users can now access four customizable Ambient Music stations via Control Center shortcuts, similar to the Visual Intelligence shortcut. The available options include Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing. Each category is directly linked to distinct playlists that can be tailored. For instance, the Chill ambient music shortcut allows users to select from various playlists available via Apple Music.
Enhanced Mail App for iPad and Mac
The updated Mail app, featuring categorized layouts, has been present in iOS beta for some time, but up until iOS 18.4, it was missing from the iPad. With this update, iPadOS users can now enjoy the new categorized design, improving the transition between iOS and iPadOS.
Improved Photos App Functionality
iOS 18.4 brings valuable updates to the Photos app, including:
- Two new filters: Not in an Album and Shared with You.
- The ability to rearrange Utilities and Media Types.
- A Key Photo view option for the main Album page instead of the default list view.
The new Shared with You filter stands out as particularly useful, as it allows users to easily find all the photos shared by friends and family through apps like Messages.
Apple News+ New Food Recipes Section
Apple News+ subscribers will appreciate the introduction of the Food Recipes section in the News app, which is accessible on the iPhone and optimized for the larger iPad display. This update features large, step-by-step recipe instructions complete with integrated timers for easy meal preparation, making it an ideal feature for a potential HomePod-like device.
9to5Mac’s Perspective
The forthcoming iOS 18.4 update is teeming with substantial enhancements, with this overview merely scratching the surface of what’s available. There are over 40 additional features and improvements that I didn’t delve into here, but are showcased in the linked video above.
Public access to the final release of iOS 18.4 is anticipated next week, barring any unexpected delays. What features in iOS 18.4 are you most looking forward to? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
