Get ready, Apple fans—iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 are gearing up to deliver the next wave of Apple Intelligence goodies! Apple recently updated its official iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 pages, dropping a juicy tidbit: these updates will hit devices in early April 2025. Promising a hefty expansion of its AI-powered features, this release could shake up how we interact with our iPhones and iPads.
Let’s dive into what’s on the horizon.
What’s New with Apple Intelligence in 18.4?
Apple Intelligence, the company’s ambitious AI framework, is set to get a major glow-up with this update. While exact details remain under wraps until the beta drops, here’s what we know so far based on Apple’s announcements:
Expanded Language Support: Say hello to Chinese (Simplified), English (India, Singapore), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish. This broader reach makes Apple Intelligence a true global contender.
Siri’s Big Upgrade… Maybe? Apple has long teased a smarter Siri with personal context—think a virtual assistant that actually knows you—plus cross-app functionality and on-screen awareness (a la Google’s Circle to Search). But whispers from the rumor mill suggest this overhaul might be delayed again. If true, we’ll need to see what other tricks Apple has up its sleeve.
The first beta, reportedly arriving as early as next week, will spill the beans on the full changelog. Developers and brave beta testers can snag it via Apple’s Developer Center or over-the-air updates once it’s live.
Which Devices Are Invited to the Party?
Compatibility won’t surprise anyone familiar with Apple’s ecosystem. Here’s the lineup eligible for iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4:
- iPhones: iPhone 15 series, iPhone 14 series, iPhone 13 series, and iPhone SE (3rd gen).
- iPads: iPad Pro (M1 and later), iPad Air (5th gen and later), iPad mini (6th gen), and iPad (10th gen).
If your device supports iOS 18 or iPadOS 18, you’re in the clear. Want to join the beta fun? Head to Settings > General > Software Update after enrolling in Apple’s Beta Software Program.
A Step Ahead or Playing Catch-Up?
Apple Intelligence’s language expansion is a welcome upgrade, putting it toe-to-toe with rivals like Google’s Gemini and Samsung’s Galaxy AI, which already boast multilingual chops. The on-screen awareness feature—if it makes the cut—feels like a direct jab at Google’s Lens dominance, and cross-app Siri actions could finally make Apple’s assistant feel less walled-off compared to Alexa or Google Assistant. Still, with Siri’s long-awaited revamp potentially stuck in limbo, some might wonder if Apple’s AI game is lagging behind its bold promises.
What’s Next?
We’re just days away from the iOS 18.4 beta peeling back the curtain on Apple’s plans. Will it deliver a game-changing leap for Apple Intelligence, or will Siri’s delay steal the spotlight? Either way, the public rollout in early April 2025 will set the stage for WWDC and beyond. How will Google and Samsung counter this move? Stay tuned—this AI race is heating up fast.
