Apple is set to release iOS 18.4 this spring, a highly anticipated update that will introduce significant improvements, particularly to its digital assistant, Siri.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, iOS 18.4 will be a substantial update with notable upgrades to Siri, new emojis, and expanded language support for Apple’s AI-powered tools. The update is expected to be available by April.
Siri Gets Smarter and More Personalized
One of the key highlights of iOS 18.4 is a major enhancement to Siri, making it more personalized and context-aware.
The update will allow Siri to access personal data from a user’s device, including emails, messages, photos, calendar events, and files. This means that Siri will be able to craft more tailored responses based on the user’s daily activities, moving beyond simple voice commands.
For example, users can ask Siri about upcoming meetings, and the assistant may refer to the calendar, emails, or other relevant data to provide a more accurate and personalized answer.
This improvement marks a significant leap in making Siri a smarter assistant that better understands individual needs.
App Intents: Voice-Controlled OS Management
iOS 18.4 will also introduce upgraded App Intents, allowing users to control more aspects of their device via voice commands.
This feature will enhance Siri’s ability to interact with iOS, enabling users to adjust settings, launch apps, or make changes within apps, all through voice commands.
This improvement is a big step toward a more hands-free experience, making iOS devices easier to navigate for those relying on voice control.
New Emojis and Expanded Language Support
In addition to Siri’s upgrades, iOS 18.4 will bring a range of new emojis to enrich users’ messaging experience. These additions include:
- Fingerprint (personal identity and security)
- Face with Bags Under Eyes (expressing tiredness)
- Harp (a musical instrument)
- Root Vegetable (food-related)
- Leafless Tree (environmental/seasonal)
- Splatter (creative or messy situations)
- Shovel (tool-related)
Furthermore, the update will expand language support for Apple’s AI tools, including Siri and Apple Intelligence.
New languages, such as Chinese, English (India), English (Singapore), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, and Vietnamese, will now be supported, making Siri and Apple’s AI suite more accessible globally.
A Closer Look at Siri’s New Features
iOS 18.4 will introduce three key upgrades to Siri that will significantly enhance its personalization and usability:
- Personal Context: Siri will be able to reference personal data, such as files and messages, to provide more contextually relevant responses.
- On-Screen Awareness: Siri will gain the ability to pull information directly from the screen, enabling it to act on the current app or content the user is viewing.
- App Integration: Siri will interact with installed apps, allowing users to control app-specific features through voice commands.
Apple Intelligence: Expanded Language Support
Alongside Siri’s upgrades, iOS 18.4 will expand language support for Apple Intelligence. This will include additional languages such as English (India), Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
The expansion is designed to enhance the functionality of Apple’s AI tools and make them more relevant to users around the world.
Apple is also expected to refine its AI systems, including improving the AI Notification Summary feature, which has faced criticism for its accuracy. The update aims to enhance this feature’s reliability and provide better context for users.
When Will iOS 18.4 Be Available?
iOS 18.4 is expected to be available by April, with a gradual rollout across compatible iPhone and iPad models.
Beta versions may be released ahead of the full launch for users eager to test the new features. This update marks another milestone in Apple’s ongoing efforts to create smarter, more personalized AI experiences on its devices.
