Apple is currently testing various software updates including iOS 18.4, iPados 18.4 and macOS 15.4 for iPhone, iPad and Mac. The updates are expected in April and not only solve problems, they also add new functions.
The most important additions can be found for Apple Intelligence. With priority notifications, among others, the generative artificial intelligence for iPhone and iPad will be officially available in the EU for supporting languages. Furthermore, adjustments are made to Mail, CarPlay and Safari. We list all the new possibilities for you.
Apple Intelligence
Apple Intelligence is a personal intelligence system for Mac, iPhone and iPad that combines the power of generative models with the individual context of the user. Since iOS 18.1, iPados 18.1 and macOS 15.1, users can use this Apple Intelligence functions on supporting devices. From iOS 18.4, iPados 18.4 and macOS 15.4 the new possibilities below are added.
- Apple Intelligence for iPhone and iPad is officially available in the EU for support languages
- New languages ​​for AI added: German, French, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean and Chinese (simplified).
- Priority Notifications: Most important notifications are first displayed in a separate section instead of chronologically
- New animation style for image playground: sketch
- New design for the Mail app For iPad and Mac with AI driven technology
- Vision Pro receives support for Apple Intelligence from Visionos 2.4
The possibilities of Apple Intelligence are great and are finally available in the EU from iOS 18.4 and iPados 18.4. Through Digital Markets ACT law, Apple had decided to block Apple Intelligence in the EU.
Via a detour it was possible to test Apple Intelligence on iPhone, iPad and Mac, also in the European Union. You should have taken the necessary actions for this, from the new software updates it is sufficient to set the language of the device and Siri to English, just like on a Mac.
Priority Notifications (AI)
Thanks Priority Notifications For Apple Intelligence, the most important reports appear on top of the pile. And long or stacked notifications are summarized on the access screen, so that you immediately see what is happening, ideal for group treasure. Via the settings you can indicate which apps have access to this smart display.
There is also a new focus, reduce interruptions. This allows you to concentrate better on what you are doing, because only notifications are shown that you might have to respond to, for example if a child has to be picked up earlier from the daycare.
Renewed Mail app (AI)
During the announcement of the new software it was already known that Apple will renew the Mail app. This has built-in categories for automatic sorting important e-mails, deals, newsletters, transaction emails, etc. The basis for these new functions is Apple’s intelligence system and was already present on the iPhone. From iPados 18.4 and MacOS Sequoia 15.4 this renewed mail app is also available on the iPad and Mac in the support languages ​​for Apple Intelligence.
Vision Pro app and Apple Intelligence
Good news for Vision Pro Owners, Apple’s spatial computer receives support for Apple Intelligence from Visionos 2.4. Those who have an Apple Vision Pro automatically get access to the Vision Pro app for iPhone from iOS 18.4. You can discover content for the Vision Pro via the app.
New Emoji
From the new software updates you can use seven new emoji. This is an emoticon with ramparts under the eyes, fingerprint, tree without leaves, tuber crop (beet), harp, scoop and a purple splash/stain.
Seven new emojis, that is a scant number compared to previous years. This is not very strange because more and more companies are marketing tools to make your own emoji. You can use emoji kitchen and of course Genmoji, for example.
Mail app gets a handy position
From the new software update you can adjust the behavior of the mail app on the iPhone and iPad after removing or moving a message. Have you opened a message and do you delete it? Then the following e-mail message will be opened automatically. You can switch this off so that your inbox is displayed after removal or moving. You can set this via Settings â–¸ Apps â–¸ Mail â–¸ Delete or move Message promotion â–¸ Choose ‘Select Do not MESSAGE’.
Delete all deleted photos
In the photos app for iPhone and iPad it is now possible to erase all deleted photos in one go or place it back in your photo library.
To do this, open the photos app and go to ‘recently deleted’. Immediately you see the ‘Set everything back’ button at the bottom of the full content of the album in your photo library. Tap the trash symbol to remove all photos in one go.
Search history in Safari
Apple has adjusted the behavior of the search bar in Safari. When you open a new Safari tab and then tap the search field, Safari automatically shows your recent search history. This can be a handy addition, but not everyone is waiting for this. Unfortunately you cannot eliminate the search history for the time being.
Other innovations
- CarPlay can show three rows of apps as standard instead of two
- You can now display albums in photos as a list
- New widgets for library and shows from the Podcasts app
- With verification codes, passwords show how long they are still valid
- New Ambient Music app that you can consult from the Control Panel (regulator)
- Support for sketches for Image Playground
- Privacy indicator light changed for the Dynamic Island
- Support for robot vacuum cleaners in Matter
- Pause of appdownloads in the App Store
- Entire list of new assignments for the Siri assignments app
- Menu added to wallet with access to settings, orders and subscriptions