Apple has officially released the iOS 18.4 Release Candidate (RC) to developers, signaling that the final public version is just around the corner. With an expected rollout in early April, this RC version (build number 22E239) serves as the last step before the official update is available to all users. Unless major issues arise, this build will likely be identical to the final public release.
iOS 18.4 introduces several new features, including AI-powered Priority Notifications, an expansion of Apple Intelligence to more languages, Ambient Music Controls, and a range of updates to enhance user experience. Additionally, Apple has released RC versions for iPadOS 18.4, macOS 15.4, tvOS 18.4, and visionOS 2.4, ensuring a seamless ecosystem update.
One of the standout features in iOS 18.4 is Priority Notifications, powered by Apple Intelligence. This feature leverages AI to determine which notifications are most important and displays them in a designated section on the lock screen.
The goal is to reduce unnecessary distractions by ensuring critical alerts—such as work emails, urgent messages, and app notifications—are given priority. Less important notifications, such as social media updates and promotional alerts, will be relegated to a secondary section, helping users maintain focus.
This AI-driven feature is expected to improve how users interact with notifications, minimizing clutter while ensuring that essential information remains easily accessible.
Apple Intelligence Expands to More Languages
With iOS 18.4, Apple Intelligence is expanding its language support to a broader audience. Previously available in English, the AI-powered system will now support:
- French
- German
- Italian
- Portuguese (Brazil)
- Spanish
- Japanese
- Korean
- Chinese (Simplified)
This expansion enhances Apple’s AI capabilities across global markets, allowing users to interact with Siri, dictation, and AI-powered suggestions in their native languages. The update also includes localized English support for Singapore and India, making Apple’s smart features even more inclusive.
Visual Intelligence for iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max
Another major update in iOS 18.4 is the introduction of Visual Intelligence, a feature that was previously exclusive to the iPhone 16 series. With this release, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max users will also gain access to this powerful tool.
Visual Intelligence enables advanced image recognition, allowing users to point their camera at objects, landmarks, or text and receive detailed information instantly. Whether identifying a plant, translating a foreign sign, or retrieving historical facts about a monument, this feature enhances how users interact with their surroundings.
By bringing Visual Intelligence to older devices, Apple is extending the life cycle of its products and making AI-powered tools more accessible to a wider range of users.
Ambient Music Controls: Personalized Soundscapes
For music lovers, iOS 18.4 introduces Ambient Music Controls, a new feature designed to match music playback with a user’s mood or activity. This feature includes four preset modes:
- Sleep – Plays calming, relaxing tracks ideal for winding down.
- Chill – Offers a laid-back, easygoing playlist for casual listening.
- Productivity – Focuses on instrumental and ambient tracks to enhance concentration.
- Wellbeing – Provides a mix of uplifting and stress-relieving music.
Users can link their preferred playlists to these modes, allowing for a more personalized and immersive music experience. By integrating this feature into Apple Music, Apple continues to refine how users interact with audio content.
Apple is also enhancing its Apple News+ service with a brand-new Food section. This section will provide:
- Curated articles on culinary trends, food culture, and restaurant reviews.
- Exclusive recipes from renowned chefs and food bloggers.
- Cooking guides to help users improve their kitchen skills.
The addition of this feature caters to food lovers and home cooks who want to explore new recipes and stay updated on the latest dining trends. Apple’s focus on curated content aligns with its broader strategy of making Apple News+ a more comprehensive and engaging platform.
With the growing popularity of Apple Vision Pro, iOS 18.4 introduces a dedicated Vision Pro app designed to help users discover and manage extended reality (XR) content.
This app allows users to:
- Browse and explore new Vision Pro apps and games.
- Queue content for future downloads.
- Receive personalized recommendations based on user preferences.
By making it easier for users to find and organize XR experiences, Apple is ensuring that its Vision Pro ecosystem remains dynamic and engaging.
Other Updates and Bug Fixes
Beyond the headline features, iOS 18.4 also includes:
- Performance improvements to enhance system stability.
- Security patches to protect against vulnerabilities.
- Bug fixes addressing issues reported by beta testers.
Additionally, Apple has released RC versions for iPadOS 18.4, macOS 15.4, tvOS 18.4, and visionOS 2.4, ensuring that all Apple devices benefit from these optimizations.
As of now, the iOS 18.4 Release Candidate is available to developers for final testing. If no major issues are discovered, Apple will release the update to the general public in early April.
To access the iOS 18.4 RC, developers can:
- Navigate to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Select Download and Install under the iOS 18.4 beta profile.
- Test the new features and report any potential bugs to Apple.
Public beta testers will also receive the update soon, giving more users the opportunity to experience the latest enhancements before the official rollout.
iOS 18.4 is shaping up to be a significant update, introducing AI-powered Priority Notifications, expanded language support, Visual Intelligence for iPhone 15 Pro models, Ambient Music Controls, and new content for Apple News+ and Vision Pro users.
With a public release expected in early April, users can soon experience a smarter, more personalized iOS ecosystem. Meanwhile, developers can test and fine-tune their apps to ensure they fully leverage Apple’s latest innovations.
Stay tuned for the official launch, and get ready to explore everything iOS 18.4 has to offer!
