Today, we’re diving into the exciting new release of iOS 18.4! Apple has rolled out another significant update, and it’s definitely worth exploring. We’ll cover the latest features, the impact on battery life, and whether it’s worth upgrading.
I’ve already installed the update on my iPhone 11, and I’m here to share all the details, both big and small. Let’s jump right in.
Why Is This Update Special?
Imagine an update that not only gives your phone a fresh new feel but also smooths out the little things, making you think, “Why wasn’t this here before?” That’s exactly what iOS 18.4 brings: a game-changer in a compact update. With improvements in the Control Center and exciting features like Visual Intelligence, this update packs a punch.
If you’re using an iPhone 11 or any other model like me, keep reading because today, we’ll uncover whether this update is a win or a miss!
Update Size and Build Number
This update varies slightly across different devices. For my iPhone 11, it was 3.76 GB, while for some models, it’s around 3.5 GB. It’s a sizable update, so make sure you have enough storage and a stable Wi-Fi connection. As for the build number, it’s 18.3.22.314, making it the latest release.
Another key change is the updated modem firmware. In previous versions like iOS 18.1 and 18.2, many users experienced network issues. However, with this new firmware, there’s hope that these problems might finally be resolved. Will it fix the network glitches? Only time will tell, but we’re optimistic!
Storage: What Difference Did It Make?
Before the update, I had 108.5 GB of available storage, which decreased by 11.55 GB after the update.
This isn’t a significant drop, and within a day or two, the storage will optimize itself. So, if you’re concerned about storage space, there’s no need to worry. It’s definitely manageable.
What’s New in iOS 18.4?
Now, let’s dive into the exciting new features! This update brings some significant changes to small details, and they’re definitely worth checking out. Here’s a breakdown of what’s new:
Control Center Tweaks
The Control Center feels much smoother now. Previously, if you added a section (like Blinkit) using “Add a Control,” it would refresh, and you’d have to scroll back to where you left off. Now, the section opens right where you left off, saving time and reducing frustration! Additionally, the brightness bar turns white once it exceeds the limit, and small arrows appear in Focus Mode, giving the UI a more premium feel.
Visual Intelligence
This feature is a game-changer! Accessible via the Control Center, Action Button, or Camera Control button, Visual Intelligence prioritizes essential notifications in the Notification Center and groups them into a separate category. For more details, check Apple’s official support page.
Real-Time Signal Strength
Wi-Fi and mobile data bars now update in real-time, so if the signal fluctuates, you’ll see the change instantly—no more guesswork!
Photos App Upgrades
The Photos app now includes two new filters: “Shared with You” and “Not in an Album.” With just one tap, you can easily filter photos shared from iCloud or those not in any album. The Recently Deleted section has also received a boost with “Recover All” and “Delete All” options, making it more convenient than ever!
New Emojis and Languages
Seven new emojis have been added, along with support for 10 Indian languages, including Gujarati, Tamil, and Telugu. Siri also has new voices, making conversations even more enjoyable!
Image Playground
The new Sketch option lets you convert your images into sketch form, adding a fun and creative touch to your photos. This feature looks pretty cool!
New Features Highlights
- Control Center: Smoother, smarter tweaks
- Visual Intelligence: Prioritizes important notifications
- Signal Strength: Real-time updates
- Photos App: New filters + options
- Emojis & Languages: 7 new emojis, support for 10 Indian languages
- Image Playground: Sketch Conversion
Performance: Smooth or Laggy?
Performance is mixed. While scrolling through Settings, I noticed a slight lag, but during heavy usage, such as voice recording or multitasking, the experience was noticeably smoother than before.
In terms of benchmark scores, the iPhone 11’s multi-core score is 2641, and the single-core fluctuates a bit. It’s similar to previous updates, but the real-world experience did feel slightly improved. As for heating, there was a slight increase in temperature during everyday use, but nothing out of the ordinary compared to heavy usage.
Battery Life: Any Change?
There’s a slight improvement in battery life—it feels more stable, but there’s no dramatic difference. After a day of use post-update, I noticed a bit less battery drain, but it’s minimal. So, if you’re considering updating for better battery life, it might not be the main reason to go for it.
- Pre-Update: Normal drain
- Post-Update: Slightly less drain (minimal)
Visual Intelligence for iPhone 15 Pro
One of the standout features in iOS 18.4 is the new Apple Intelligence Priority Notifications, but there’s more to it! Apple has also introduced a new Action Button that opens Visual Intelligence. Initially exclusive to the iPhone 16 range, this feature has now been extended to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models as well.
In essence, Visual Intelligence is Apple’s answer to Google Lens. It allows you to take a photo of something in front of you and instantly gather more information about it. Whether you use ChatGPT or Google Search or highlight any text in the image, the feature helps you learn more about what’s captured.
While the iPhone 15 Pro doesn’t have the same Camera Control button as the iPhone 16, you can still access Visual Intelligence through the Control Center or the new Action Button.
Restart your iPhone from the new control center.
With iOS 18, restarting your iPhone has never been easier—you no longer need to press any physical buttons! The redesigned Control Center retains all the classic controls, such as brightness, volume, orientation, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, but adds a convenient new control for restarting your device.
To use it, simply swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone and press and hold the new power button located at the top-right of the Control Center. You can’t just tap it—you’ll need to hold it for a second or so, and then the slider to power off your iPhone will appear.
To turn your iPhone back on, you’ll still need to press and hold the physical side button.
App Clips Support for Seamless App Interactions
App Clips were introduced in previous versions of iOS, but iOS 18.4 takes them to the next level. This update allows users to launch smaller versions of apps without the need for complete installation. App Clips provides a quick and efficient way to interact with specific app features, like paying for parking or ordering food, without cluttering your device with additional apps. This feature is a game-changer for those who want convenience without compromising device storage.
New Lock Screen Customization Options
With iOS 18.4, Apple introduces more customization options for the lock screen. Users can now choose from a broader range of wallpapers, clock styles, and widgets to give their lock screen a more personal touch. The update also brings an enhanced focus mode that allows you to set specific lock screen profiles for different situations, like work or personal time.
Should You Upgrade to iOS 18.4?
With all the new features and improvements in iOS 18.4, upgrading is a no-brainer for most users. From better performance to more customization options, this update offers a wide array of benefits. If you rely on your iPhone for productivity, communication, or entertainment, the new features in iOS 18.4 are sure to enhance your experience. However, if you’re someone who values stability and prefers waiting a few weeks before updating, it might be a good idea to keep an eye out for any post-update bug reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will iOS 18.4 improve my iPhone’s battery life?
Yes, the iOS 18.4 update includes improvements to battery management, offering more detailed information about your device’s battery health. You can also track how specific apps impact battery usage and optimize settings to help prolong battery life throughout the day.
Can I customize my lock screen with iOS 18.4?
Yes, iOS 18.4 introduces enhanced lock screen customization. You can now choose from more wallpapers, clock styles, and widgets, giving you greater flexibility in how your lock screen looks. Additionally, with the new focus mode, you can set different lock screen profiles for different situations, like work or personal time.
What is the App Clips feature in iOS 18.4?
App Clips allow you to use specific features of an app without having to download the entire app. For instance, you can pay for parking, order food, or make quick transactions without installing the whole app. iOS 18.4 makes this feature even more accessible, streamlining your device experience without cluttering your phone with unnecessary apps.
How has iMessage been improved in iOS 18.4?
In iOS 18.4, iMessage has received several enhancements, including new stickers, better media-sharing options, and threaded conversations for easier group chat management. These changes make iMessage more interactive and engaging, improving the overall messaging experience.
Are there any new security features in iOS 18.4?
Yes, iOS 18.4 brings several security enhancements, particularly in Safari. The update improves your browsing experience by speeding up page loads while ensuring your sessions are safer from potential threats. Additionally, iOS 18.4 provides more granular control over privacy settings, allowing you to monitor and manage app access to sensitive information like location, camera, and microphone.
Conclusion
The iOS 18.4 update is more than just a routine software refresh. It introduces features that significantly enhance user experience, performance, and privacy. Whether you’re looking to personalize your device, improve your browsing experience, or enjoy a more efficient interface, iOS 18.4 has something for everyone. So, don’t wait to update today and start enjoying the new features that will make your iPhone even better!
