Apple’s highly anticipated iOS 18.4 update is set to roll out in early April, bringing several new features despite the delay of key Apple Intelligence Siri capabilities. While users will have to wait longer for those AI-driven enhancements, the update still includes notable additions like Priority Notifications, an expanded Image Playground, and broader language support.
Priority Notifications: Smarter Alerts for Important Updates
First introduced at WWDC 2024, Priority Notifications is an Apple Intelligence feature that helps users manage their alerts more efficiently. By analyzing incoming notifications, iOS 18.4 highlights time-sensitive and contextually important alerts—such as food delivery updates or appointment reminders—so they appear at the top of the Lock Screen.
Users can enable this feature by navigating to Settings > Notifications > Prioritize Notifications. When activated, priority alerts are displayed in a distinct box with a unique icon, ensuring they stand out from standard notifications. Swiping down still reveals all other notifications.
Image Playground Gains ‘Sketch’ Mode
Apple’s Image Playground app initially launched with two image generation styles: Animation and Illustration. With iOS 18.4, Apple has introduced a third option, Sketch. This new mode creates highly detailed, hand-drawn-style images, distinct from Animation’s 3D cartoon appearance and Illustration’s bold color outlines.
According to Apple, Sketch is designed to produce “gorgeous drawings on stark backgrounds” with an academic feel, offering a fresh creative option for users who enjoy generating AI-powered visuals.
Expanded Language Support for Apple Intelligence
With the iOS 18.4 update, Apple Intelligence gains support for additional languages, making the AI-powered features accessible to more users worldwide. The supported languages now include:
- French
- German
- Italian
- Portuguese (Brazil)
- Spanish
- Japanese
- Korean
- Chinese (Simplified)
- Localized English (Singapore & India)
iOS 18.4 Release Timeline
Apple has released the first iOS 18.4 beta for developers and public testers, with a second beta expected next week. The update will undergo testing throughout March, with a full release planned for early April.
Siri AI Features Delayed Until iOS 18.5?
Although iOS 18.4 was expected to introduce new Apple Intelligence Siri features, Apple has reportedly postponed them for further testing. While there’s a slim possibility they could be added in a later beta, it’s more likely that these enhancements will arrive with iOS 18.5.
Historically, major updates aren’t typically introduced in .5 releases, but Apple has been rolling out iOS 18’s AI-powered features gradually. Reports suggest that development on iOS 19 is being delayed to allow Apple to refine iOS 18’s features further, meaning users can expect continued improvements throughout the year.
