Apple’s iOS 18.4 update is almost here, and beta users already have early access to the exciting new features. This update is packed with enhancements, including upgrades to Image Playground, Priority Notifications, an Ambient Music toggle, advanced Photos filtering, and expanded Apple Intelligence language support.
Apple has confirmed that iOS 18.4 will officially launch in early April 2025, likely in the week of April 7 or shortly after. With the release just around the corner, let’s explore the most exciting features coming to your iPhone!
1. Image Playground Gets a New ‘Sketch’ Style
Apple’s Image Playground, part of Apple Intelligence, initially launched with two creative styles – Animation and Illustration. However, Apple had originally promised three styles, and now, the missing one is finally arriving in iOS 18.4.
The new ‘Sketch’ style brings an artistic, hand-drawn effect, using visible pencil or paint strokes. This adds a unique look to AI-generated images, making them more expressive and creative.
How to Enable:
- Open the Image Playground app.
- Tap the ‘+’ button in the bottom-right corner.
- Select ‘Sketch’ and enter your prompt.
- Let the app generate your custom sketch!
2. Priority Notifications – Smarter Alert Filtering
Tired of constant notifications but afraid to miss important ones? Apple has introduced Priority Notifications in iOS 18.4, powered by Apple Intelligence.
This feature automatically detects important alerts, like messages from friends, work emails, or urgent app updates, and highlights them on the Lock Screen, while less relevant ones are filtered out.
How to Enable:
- Open Settings > Notifications > Prioritize Notifications.
- Toggle the feature ON to let Apple Intelligence sort your alerts smartly.
3. Ambient Music – Relax & Focus with Background Tunes
Need soothing background music for sleeping, working, or unwinding? The iOS 18.4 update adds a dedicated Ambient Music button to the Control Center, allowing users to play relaxing tunes without opening a music app.
There are four music modes to choose from:
🎵 Sleep – For a calming bedtime atmosphere.
🎵 Chill – Relaxing background tracks.
🎵 Productivity – Boost focus with instrumental beats.
🎵 Wellbeing – Stress-relieving music.
How to Enable:
- Open Control Center.
- Tap and hold on a blank space.
- Search ‘Ambient Music’ and add the toggle.
- Tap the new button to start playing background music instantly.
4. Smarter Photo Filtering & Organization
Searching for photos in your iPhone’s Photos app is about to get easier than ever with new filtering options in iOS 18.4.
New Photo Filtering Features:
📂 “Shared With You” – View photos sent by others in one place.
📂 “Not in an Album” – Quickly find unsorted photos for better organization.
Additionally, users can now view albums by Key Photo, making it simpler to spot specific collections at a glance.
How to Use These Features:
- Open Photos app > Albums.
- Tap the ‘…’ button in the top-right corner.
- Select Key Photo to highlight the main image for each album.
A new Photos settings page has also been added under Settings > Apps > Photos, where users can disable Recently Viewed & Shared albums for better privacy control.
5. Apple Intelligence Expands to More Languages
Apple Intelligence initially supported only US English, but with iOS 18.4, it’s becoming more accessible worldwide!
New Supported Languages:
🌍 French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese (Simplified).
🌍 Localized English support for Singapore & India.
This expansion makes Apple Intelligence more useful for users globally, bringing smarter AI-powered interactions to more iPhones.
Final Thoughts: What to Expect from iOS 18.4
The iOS 18.4 update is packed with exciting features that enhance creativity, productivity, and usability. From artistic AI-generated images and smarter notifications to ambient background music and improved photo organization, this update brings meaningful improvements to everyday iPhone use.
With the launch expected in early April 2025, iPhone users won’t have to wait long to experience these upgrades! Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to explore iOS 18.4 on your device! 🚀