Introduction to Updates
Apple has unveiled two new minor updates, iOS 18.4.1 and iPadOS 18.4.1, designed to enhance the existing iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4. Released initially at the end of March, these updates focus on bug fixes and security improvements.
Key Enhancements in iOS 18.4.1 and iPadOS 18.4.1
The latest update introduces essential bug fixes and security enhancements, while also addressing a rare issue that disrupted wireless CarPlay connectivity in certain vehicles.
What’s New in iPadOS 18.4.1
Photos App Improvements
- New filters to show or hide items not stored in an album or synced from a Mac or PC within the Archive view.
- Reordering options for items in the Media Types and Other collections.
- Consistent filtering options across all collections, including sorting options for Photos by oldest or newest first.
- Option to sort albums based on modification date.
- Ability to disable ‘Recently Viewed’ and ‘Recently Shared’ collections through Photos settings.
- With Face ID enabled in Photos settings, hidden photos are excluded from transfers to Mac or PC.
Additional Enhancements and Fixes
- Eight new emojis, including various objects, plants, and a smiley face, are now available on the emoji keyboard.
- Safari offers recent search suggestions, allowing quick returns to previous queries when starting a new search.
- The Setup Assistant streamlines the process for parents to create a Child Account, with default settings for children if setup is completed later.
- Screen Time App Limits now persist even after a child uninstalls and reinstalls an app.
- The App Store now features user review summaries, providing quick insights from other users.
- Pause and resume app downloads or updates without losing progress in the App Store.
- New Podcasts widgets, including a Followed Shows widget for tracking favorite shows and an Archive widget for frequent episode access such as Recent Episodes, Saved, and downloaded.
- Ambient Music offers instant music playback in Control Center with playlists tailored for background music.
- Matter-compatible robot vacuums can be integrated into environments and automation, as well as controlled via the Home app.
- Support for 10 new system languages, including Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Oriya, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.
How to Update
The new software is available for download over the air for compatible iPhone and iPad models. Navigate to Settings > General > Software Update to initiate the update process.
Apple is also currently testing the upcoming iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5 updates, with an expected release slated for May.