iOS 18.4: In the large update there are nine helpful innovations that you should have on the piece

The iPhone 16E is the latest Apple smartphone that supports Apple Intelligence.

The(Major-update), the innovations are so extensive and diverse.

In addition to the obvious functions ofThere are also small improvements and features that fly quickly under the radar.

Quick navigation:

Improvements for the photo app

With the update to iOS 18 in 2024, Apple made no friends at least with the photo app.

It is commendable that Apple listens to feedback and gradually introduces improvements, as in iOS 18.4:

  • There are new filter options to improve the overview in the collection. There are new "shared with you" and "in no album".
  • The view of the albums can be converted from a list view to a key photo view. This means that up to four pictures form the flagship of the album.
  • Elements can be sorted in the sections "Media Guide" and "other".

The new mail app

With iOS 18.4, Ipados 18.4 and MacOS 15.4 comes the new mail app for iPhone, iPad and Mac. The new app offers various views:

  • All emails
  • Advertising
  • news
  • Transactions
  • Important

The emails in the mailboxes are automatically sorted into these categories. In addition, related emails are grouped by the same sender in the categories. If you delete one of these emails, several will be removed. This does not apply to the view "all emails".

Tipp: At the first start of the new mail app, the view "All emails" is not displayed. Remove the finger within the categories to the left to switch to "all emails".

To return to the old view, proceeds as follows:

  1. Tap the three points within the mail app at the top right.
  2. Now select "list display".

Ambient music

In the control center there are four new switches for ambient music.

What exactly is that supposed to be? The switches play instrumental music based on various purposes:

  • Sleep
  • Chill (relaxation)
  • productivity
  • Well -being (meditation and self -care)

Each of these playlists generated by Apple offers four categories, which are somewhat hidden. Add one of these buttons to your lock screen. Then you can choose between the four categories or select your own playlist.

New emojis

With iOS 18.4, new emojis migrate to the iPhone to share them with friends, family and other contacts.

  • A new emoji that expresses tiredness
  • fingerprint
  • Lila Farbklecks
  • radish
  • Tree without leaves
  • harp
  • shovel
  • Flag from Sark

If you have an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max or Neuer, Genoji are available to almost unlimited possibilities for new emojis. You can find detailed instructions at the following link:

Standard apps for navigation and calls

Within the EU and with the update to iOS 18.4 there are new setting options within the "standard apps".

  • A different standard app than Apple cards can now be selected for navigation.
  • WhatsApp can now be set as a standard app for calls.

It goes as follows to change the standard apps:

  • Open the settings on the iPhone.
  • Scroll all the way down and select "Apps".
  • Now tap on "Standard apps".

Apple Home app: Support for vacuum cleaner robots

If you have a vacuum cleaner robot with matter support, you can now integrate the household help into the Apple home app.

Starting, stopping or planning the robot's homework via Siri.

Mac device via the iPhone

With iOS 18.4 and MacOS 15.4 there is the possibility to set up the new Mac via the iPhone, similar to iPados, watchos and TVOS.

Of course, both devices must be nearby so that the computer can be set up via the iPhone. Apple ID data, files, photos, messages and passwords can be transmitted directly via the connection.

Open visual intelligence over several ways

If you have an iPhone 15 Pro (Max) or newer, you can access Visual Intelligence as part of Apple Intelligence.

This is a counterpart to Google Lens that helps you scan your surroundings and spit out about it. In addition, you call up the Google search with one click or asks Chatgpt for further information.

You start visual intelligence over three ways:

  • For iPhone-16 series: Hold down the camera control to start visual intelligence
  • Action button: With iOS 18.4, the option for the action button (action button) was added. Open the settings on the iPhone and select the "Visual Intelligence" campaign under "Action key".
  • Blocking screen: Visual Intelligence was added as a shortcut for the control center. Thus, the function can be called on the lock screen via the two virtual buttons at the bottom left and right.

Priorize notifications

If you are regularly harassed by many notifications, but do not want to switch them off completely, there is a potential solution for you. As with Visual Intelligence, an iPhone 15 Pro (Max) or a new prerequisite.

With "prioritization", potentially important messages are listed separately at the top of the lock screen. If you swipe in the notifications from bottom to top, all messages are displayed.

In the settings, you also determine which apps should be taken into account.

Instructions for this function, including "summarizing messages", can be found in the following article:

What is still not included in iOS 18.4

In addition to the improved Siri, there is no trace of two functions: iPhone synchronization and SharePlay screen sharing.

  • iPhone Synchronisation: With iPhone synchronization (in German), the screen of the iPhone can be mirrored on a compatible Mac. The iPhone can be controlled from the Mac and content can be pushed back and forth using drag-and-drop. Even notifications can be viewed and processed.
  • Screen release: The second function »SharePlay Screen Sharing« is the possibility to share the screen of the iPhone or iPad via Facetime. So you can not only help a family member from a distance with problems, but also use content such as music, films and more together.

What do you think of iOS 18.4 so far? Feel free to write it in the comments below!