Here comes iOS 18.4

Find out what upgrades will arrive soon on iPhone (and iPads and Macs).

Author

Leander Kahney
March 24, 2025

Apple just launched the release candidate betas for iOS 18.4 and macOS 15.4.

These will be very big updates for international users. For the first time, Apple Intelligence will become available outside the United States and a handful of other English-speaking countries.

But although release candidates usually mean the final versions are imminent, we may not get these updates for at least a week.

There are plenty of other goodies coming, too — here are the five features our writer Rajesh Pandey is most excited about.

Also in today’s newsletter:

  • In a surprise move, Apple said it will release a free software update to upgrade AirPods Max to support lossless audio — but only for the version of the headphones with USB-C.

  • I’m looking for a new iPad, but I’m way too cheap to pay top dollar. I’m waiting for the now-discontinued entry-level iPad 10 to drop to last year’s Black Friday price ($250), but I think this refurb iPad Air with M1 might be a better deal. It’s a bit pricier, but the M1 is a screamer, the tablet will last longer, and, unlike the iPad 10 (or even the new iPad 11), this iPad Air runs Apple Intelligence.

  • Window tiling is a super-popular feature of Windows: Here’s how to use it on Mac. The post contains a super-handy window tiling tip you likely don’t know about. I had no clue — but I’ll definitely be putting it to use.

  • We hands-on review a beefy new power bank capable of charging a MacBook and much more. It may well be the ultimate travel charger.

  • Trouble sleeping? These dirt-cheap sleep earbuds might help.

  • Today’s featured setup centers on a nice-looking M4 iMac. Oddly, iMacs rarely feature in our setups posts, despite being descended from the machine that saved Apple back in the ’90s. Sadly, iMac sightings are increasingly rare these days.

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

iOS 18.4 and macOS Sequoia 15.4 take a big step toward release [Update]

Explore the advancements coming in iOS 18.4 and macOS 15.4, including Apple Intelligence for billions more people. But no smarter Siri.

5 iOS 18.4 features I am excited about

More powerful Shortcut actions, Visual Intelligence on the iPhone 15 Pro, and more — these are the iOS 18.4 features I’m most excited about.

How to use window snapping and tiling on the Mac

You can quickly organize your Mac desktop with window snapping and tiling. Simply throw the two apps you’re working on side-by-side. 

A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team

This M1 iPad Air refurb might be the best iPad deal right now

This M1 iPad Air refurb may be the best price/performance iPad deal available right now. It's a screamer and can run Apple Intelligence.

Surprise! Lossless audio comes to AirPods Max with USB-C

Apple just promised to upgrade the latest AirPods Max version with lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio.

Apple preps future Apple Watch with AI-powered camera

Future Apple Watch models might feature a camera and leverage AI-driven Visual Intelligence to deliver contextual, relevant information.

A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team

Reclaim the night with these noise-blocking sleep earbuds

This SleepEez deal will have you sleeping soundly. These tiny earbuds block out distractions and lull you into deep, uninterrupted sleep.

‘Severance’ absolutely owns the top of the ratings charts

“Severance” held the top spot as the most-watched streaming series for another week. Ratings show it keeps pulling in big audiences.

Price drop: Save on a 100W GaN charger powerful enough for MacBook, iPad and iPhone all at once

Chargeasap's tiny 100W Omega USB-C GaN Charger packs enough power to charge a MacBook and two other devices all at once.

A tale of two Airs: iPad and MacBook reviews [The CultCast]

This week on Cult of Mac's podcast: Griffin goes deep on M3 iPad Air and M4 MacBook Air after toiling on his hands-on reviews.

Alogic Roam power bank keeps laptops going strong [Review]

In our Alogic Roam power bank review, we find the power bank a bit hefty but otherwise amazingly functional and convenient for travelers.

Today in Apple history: Newton MessagePad reaches new heights

On March 24, 1997, the Newton MessagePad 2000 brought major upgrades to Apple's PDA line, including a better display and a faster processor.

M4 iMac makes a surprisingly rare appearance [Setups]

Today's iMac setup shows how the all-in-one desktop can make for a neat and tidy workstation. But the user nearly went with a Mac mini.

Tweets of the day

Wallpaper of the day

One more thing ...

❝

The most corrosive piece of technology that I've ever seen is called television — but then again, television, at its best, is magnificent.

— Steve Jobs, 2003.

Today’s poll

What excites you most in iOS 18.4?

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Results from last Friday’s poll: Who here is a fan of "Severance"?

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