Apple’s latest iOS 18.4 update might seem like a regular mid-year software upgrade, but it actually brings some exciting new features that could change how you use your iPhone every day.
While most people know about the Priority Notifications and the upcoming Siri revamp, there are five lesser-known features in this update that are totally worth checking out. Let’s take a closer look:
1. 🔁 Smarter Shortcuts
The Shortcuts app now lets you control more settings in apps like Safari, Maps, and News. It’s a small change, but it hints that Apple is getting ready to make Siri even more powerful in the future. These new actions can save time and make your iPhone more personal.
2. 😴 New Emojis for Every Mood
Who doesn’t love new emojis? iOS 18.4 adds eight fresh emojis, including a fingerprint, harp, splatter, and a very relatable tired face with under-eye bags. These small updates bring more fun to texting and social media.
3. 🎶 Ambient Music Playlists
A hidden gem in iOS 18.4 is the new Ambient Music feature. You can now choose from playlists like Chill, Sleep, Productivity, and Wellbeing — perfect for relaxing or staying focused. Just add the icon to your Control Center to start listening.
4. 🖼 Better Photos Organization
Apple has made it easier to manage your pictures in the Photos app. You can now turn off “Recently Viewed” or “Recently Shared,” filter photos more easily, and even sort albums by the date they were modified. Plus, it’s easier to delete or recover photos all at once.
5. 👁 Visual Intelligence for iPhone 15 Pro
A cool feature called Visual Intelligence has now come to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max (it was earlier only for iPhone 16). It works like Google Lens — just take a picture of something and get info about it using ChatGPT, Google, or highlighted text.
Final Thoughts
Even though iOS 18.4 didn’t make big headlines, it’s full of small updates that make a big difference. Whether you’re into photography, productivity, or just love emojis, this update has something for everyone!
