With the release of iOS 18.4, Apple is expected to introduce several new features, especially focusing on Siri. This update is anticipated to bring significant enhancements compared to the smaller changes seen in iOS 18.3. Users in the EU can also look forward to easier access to Apple Intelligence without needing workarounds.
Siri Enhancements in iOS 18.4
Expected in April, iOS 18.4 will likely include a smarter Siri, as promised by Apple during their developer conference in June 2024. While initially rumored to appear in iOS 18.3, the updated Siri will now be part of the 18.4 release. So far, Siri has received a full-screen animation in iOS 18.1 and ChatGPT integration in iOS 18.2. The new update will introduce three major improvements to Siri, elevating its functionality.
New Features for Siri in iOS 18.4
One of the new features, “Personal Context,” will allow Siri to search for information across different apps. For example, Siri could find a recipe idea shared by a contact in Notes, Messages, or Emails. It will also make accessing information like passport numbers from flight reservations easier.
Another feature, “On-Screen Awareness,” will enable Siri to understand and respond to content on the screen. If a contact sends a new address via text, you can ask Siri to update the contact’s information in the Contacts app.
The third feature, “Taking Action in Apps,” will enhance Siri’s interaction with apps. Siri will be able to save emails as drafts, edit photos, and add them to specific notes. This functionality will also be available for third-party apps.
These updates aim to make Siri a more effective personal assistant. However, the reliability of these features remains to be seen.
New Languages for Apple Intelligence
iOS 18.4 will also introduce new language packages for Apple Intelligence. Currently, Apple Intelligence is available in English in most regions. Over the coming months, localizations for languages including Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, and Vietnamese are expected. Although it’s not confirmed which languages will be available in April, it’s likely that German will be included, as Apple Intelligence is set to launch in Europe.
To use Apple Intelligence, you’ll need compatible hardware such as the iPhone 15 Pro (Max), the iPhone 16 series, any iPad and Mac with an M1 processor or newer, and the new iPad Mini.
New Emoji in iOS 18.4
In recent years, Apple has added new emojis in its spring iOS updates. The trend is expected to continue with iOS 18.4, following the introduction of new emojis by the Unicode Consortium. These include a fingerprint, a face with bags under the eyes, a harp, root vegetables, and a leafless tree, among others.
It’s still unclear which of these expected features will be included in iOS 18.4. However, it’s anticipated that Siri’s new functionalities and Apple Intelligence in German will be part of the update. The beta phase for iOS 18.4 will begin shortly after the release of iOS 18.3.