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Apple has unexpectedly released the iOS 18.4 update ahead of schedule, declaring that the system is now more intuitive and secure than ever. The update is available for all models from the iPhone Xs (2018) onward, including the second- and third-generation iPhone SE and the entire iPhone 16 lineup up to the 16e. To install the updated firmware, users simply need to navigate to “Settings,” open “General,” select “Software Update,” and tap “Download and Install.” On the iPhone 16 Pro Max, the update weighs in at approximately 3.76 GB, and the installation process takes around 10 minutes.
The most prominent enhancements in iOS 18.4 pertain to the expansion of Apple Intelligence. Notably, Priority Notifications now automatically surface important alerts, ensuring that crucial information is never overlooked. Image Playground has received a new “Sketch” style, joining the existing “Animation” and “Illustration” options. Apple Intelligence is now available in eight additional languages, including French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, and English for users in India and Singapore.
A delightful batch of new emojis has also been introduced—chief among them, a smiling face with under-eye bags, a playful nod to the pace of modern life. Additional emojis include a fingerprint, splashes, a root vegetable, a leafless tree, a harp, a shovel, and the flag of Sark. The update also introduces automatic installation of the companion app for Apple Vision Pro, designed to help users discover new content for the headset and streamline its operation.
The Photos app has seen notable refinements, now offering enhanced sorting and filtering options. Hidden photos protected by Face ID are no longer transferred automatically to a computer. Apple News+ subscribers will discover more culinary content, while Safari makes it easier to revisit past search queries. Parents will welcome a more intuitive setup for child accounts and improved Screen Time restrictions—children can no longer bypass limits by deleting and reinstalling apps. A new App Store feature allows users to pause downloads and resume them later without losing progress. Ambient Music for iPhone is now accessible directly from Control Center, and Matter-compatible robot vacuums can be added to the Home app and integrated into scenes and automations.
Importantly, iOS 18.4 addresses a total of 62 security vulnerabilities. Apple strongly urges users to install the update promptly. Details of the fixed bugs are intentionally withheld to give users time to update before bad actors exploit the flaws. Among the critical patches is CVE-2025-30432, a vulnerability that allowed a malicious app to brute-force the passcode on a locked device and artificially prolong the lockout time following failed attempts. Another fix, CVE-2025-24208, resolves a cross-site scripting flaw that could allow attackers to inject harmful code into trusted websites via malicious iframes.
Taken together, these enhancements demonstrate that iOS 18.4 not only introduces compelling new features but also substantially fortifies system security. The early release came as a welcome surprise to many, offering enhanced protection and fresh capabilities to Apple’s user base.
