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iOS 18.3 and iOS 18.4 are already out: Apple released them on January 27 and March 31, 2025, respectively. iOS 18.3 was a modest update focused on smaller feature changes, fixes and security; iOS 18.4 brought a broader set of additions. Neither delivered the widely anticipated Siri overhaul with personal-context understanding, onscreen awareness and in-app actions.
Release dates and iPhone compatibility
Both updates support the iOS 18-compatible range, beginning with iPhone XS and later. That does not mean every compatible iPhone can use Apple Intelligence: those features require an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max, or any iPhone 16 model, including iPhone 16e. Apple’s security release pages document the updates and their security content: iOS 18.3 and iOS 18.4.
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| Update | Release date | iPhone compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| iOS 18.3 | January 27, 2025 | iPhone XS and later |
| iOS 18.3.1 | February 10, 2025 | iPhone XS and later |
| iOS 18.4 | March 31, 2025 | iPhone XS and later |
| iOS 18.4.1 | April 16, 2025 | iPhone XS and later |
The point releases shown are part of the same update sequence; dates and compatibility are listed in Apple’s security releases index and Apple’s release pages.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteWhat iOS 18.3 changed
Apple’s iOS 18.3 release notes and contemporaneous feature coverage describe an update whose changes were useful but limited in scope.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Apple Intelligence turned on during setup
On supported hardware, Apple Intelligence became enabled automatically during setup or an upgrade to iOS 18.3. This was an onboarding default, not a new AI capability, and it did not make Apple Intelligence available on older iPhones. To switch it off, go to Settings → Apple Intelligence & Siri → Apple Intelligence.
More control over notification summaries
Apple made AI-generated notification summaries easier to identify and added a way to manage them for an individual app from its Lock Screen notification. Swipe left on a summary, tap Options, then choose the notification-summary control. The exact wording may vary with device language or software build.
Visual Intelligence on iPhone 16
On iPhone 16 models equipped with Camera Control, Visual Intelligence gained the ability to identify plants and animals and recognize event information that can be added to Calendar. This capability depends on the iPhone 16 hardware; installing iOS 18.3 on an older model does not add it.
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Rank #2
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 3561mAh Battery
- 128GB 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
Calculator and smaller fixes
Repeatedly tapping = in Calculator once again repeats the previous operation, restoring behavior removed in the iOS 18 redesign. The update also fixed issues including a typed-Siri keyboard problem and Apple Music continuing to play after the app was closed.
Security updates
iOS 18.3 also addressed vulnerabilities affecting components including the kernel, Safari and WebContentFilter. Apple’s security content for iOS 18.3 lists the fixes. A short visible feature list does not make security maintenance immaterial.
What iOS 18.4 added
iOS 18.4 was the more substantial feature update. Its changes span Apple Intelligence, Apple’s built-in apps, smart-home support and region-specific options.
Rank #3
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
Apple Intelligence: Priority Notifications, Sketch and more languages
Priority Notifications can place notifications considered important at the top. Image Playground gained Sketch as a third style alongside Animation and Illustration. Apple Intelligence language support expanded to include French, German, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, Korean and Simplified Chinese, as well as localized English for India and Singapore. These are Apple Intelligence language additions, not a claim that every iOS feature or service is newly available in all those locations.
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For Apple News+ subscribers where the service and relevant catalog are available, the News app gained a Food section with recipes and food stories, a searchable Recipe Catalog, saved recipes and step-by-step Cooking Mode. Coverage also includes restaurants, kitchen advice and healthy eating. This is not a universally available free recipe service.
Vision Pro companion app
The new Apple Vision Pro app helps owners discover content and spatial experiences, manage device information and download compatible content. It is chiefly useful to people who own or plan to use Vision Pro, rather than a major change for most iPhone users.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
Photos organization controls
Photos gained additional filters and organization options, including ways to find items not in an album or synced from a Mac or PC, and to manage Recently Viewed and Recently Shared collections. Users can sort albums by modification date, reorder Media Types and Utilities collections, and sort collections from oldest to newest or newest to oldest. These are refinements to the iOS 18 Photos app, not a replacement for its earlier redesign.
Ambient Music in Control Center
Ambient Music controls can be added to Control Center, with Sleep, Chill, Productivity and Wellbeing categories. They offer curated audio selections; they are not a new standalone streaming service.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchMatter-compatible robot vacuums in Home
The Home app can control compatible robot vacuums and include them in scenes and automations. Using this requires iOS 18.4 or later, a Matter-compatible vacuum, and manufacturer support and firmware that expose the required Matter functionality. A “smart” label, or even Matter support in general, does not guarantee every vacuum or function will work with Apple Home.
Best Value
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
Seven new emoji
The additions are face with bags under eyes, fingerprint, leafless tree, root vegetable, harp, shovel and splatter.
CarPlay and regional default-app options
CarPlay can show a third row of app icons on sufficiently large displays. A Now Playing API can let sports apps display scores. In the European Union, users can choose a default navigation app for iPhone and CarPlay; a default Translation app option is also available in supported regions. The navigation-app change is not a worldwide feature.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.The Siri changes that did not arrive
Pre-release reporting raised expectations for Siri features including personal-context understanding, awareness of what is onscreen and the ability to perform actions inside apps. Those capabilities were not part of the final iOS 18.4 feature set. They should not be confused with the features Apple actually shipped; see the iOS 18.4 feature guide and pre-release coverage.
Which features need newer hardware or other conditions?
| Feature | Minimum software | Hardware or other requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Intelligence, including Priority Notifications and Image Playground Sketch | iOS 18.3 or later for the 18.3 setup change; iOS 18.4 for its additions | iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max or any iPhone 16 model; feature availability also depends on supported language and region |
| Visual Intelligence additions | iOS 18.3 | iPhone 16 model with Camera Control |
| Apple News+ Food | iOS 18.4 | Apple News+ subscription and regional service/catalog availability |
| Vision Pro app | iOS 18.4 | Most relevant to Apple Vision Pro owners or prospective users |
| Home app robot-vacuum control | iOS 18.4 | Matter-compatible vacuum plus manufacturer implementation and supporting firmware |
| EU default navigation app | iOS 18.4 | European Union availability |
| Other iOS 18.4 changes, such as emoji and Photos controls | iOS 18.4 | iPhone XS or later; individual app or display features may have their own conditions |
How to install an available update
- Open Settings.
- Tap General, then Software Update.
- Review the update shown for your iPhone.
- Tap Update Now or Download and Install, then enter your passcode if requested.
- Keep the phone connected to power if its battery is low or the update requires a long download or installation.
If an update is not shown, check Software Update again later; availability can depend on the device and update rollout. Apple’s release coverage provides the same Settings route: iOS 18.4 release coverage.
Should you update?
The feature case depends on your phone and what you use. iOS 18.3’s visible additions are modest, while iOS 18.4 offers a broader collection of improvements. For compatible Apple Intelligence hardware, the language expansion and Priority Notifications are more consequential; for other users, Photos, Control Center, emoji, CarPlay and supported Home accessories are the more relevant changes. Security fixes also matter independently of new features.
Quick Recap
- If you own an iPhone 15 Pro or later and want Apple Intelligence features, check the specific feature and language availability that applies to you.
- If you have an iPhone XS through iPhone 15 (excluding the Pro models), you can use iOS 18.4’s compatible non-AI changes, but not Apple Intelligence.
- If you use Apple News+, Vision Pro, CarPlay or Matter smart-home devices, the relevant additions depend on the subscription, region, display or accessory conditions described above.
- If you expected a major Siri transformation, iOS 18.4 did not provide the reported personal-context, onscreen-awareness or in-app-action capabilities.
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