Apple has released the second release candidate (RC) for iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 to developers, introducing new features like Priority Notifications and Apple Intelligence support for multiple languages.
iOS 18.4 enhances user experience with updates such as Priority Notifications highlighting urgent notifications, Sketch style in Image Playground, and language support for various regions.
Apple Vision Pro app offers users with Apple Vision Pro new content discovery and spatial experiences, facilitating easy access to device information.
Apple News+ now includes recipes from renowned publishers, a Recipe Catalog for browsing dishes, Cooking mode for guided cooking, and diverse content in the Food section.
Updates in Photos include new filters, item hiding options, album sorting features, and settings to disable certain collections like 'Recently Viewed'.
Other enhancements in iOS 18.4 involve Safari search suggestions, streamlined Parental Controls setup, persistent Screen Time App Limits, and summarised App Store reviews.
The update also adds new widgets for Podcasts, Ambient Music playback from Control Center, integration of Apple Fitness+ Collections, and support for Matter-compatible robot vacuum cleaners in the Home app.
Additionally, this release includes support for 10 new system languages and bug fixes to improve overall system performance.
Notable developments outside iOS 18.4 included Corning's Gorilla Glass Ceramic unveiling, a decline in Apple Watch sales, construction progress on a new Apple TV+ office complex, and potential fines for Apple and Meta Platforms Inc. under EU competition regulations.
Apple's appointment of a global head of stores aims to streamline the management of its retail arm under senior executive Deirdre O’Brien.