What to know

  • Apple is introducing a new "Priority Notifications" feature in iOS 18.4, powered by Apple Intelligence, to help users focus on important alerts.
  • The feature organizes critical notifications into a dedicated section on the Lock Screen, while less urgent ones remain in the standard stack.
  • Priority Notifications use AI to determine which alerts are significant, but the feature is turned off by default and requires manual activation.
  • The update also includes other enhancements like new languages for Apple Intelligence, a revamped Image Playground, and an Apple News+ Food section.

Apple's upcoming iOS 18.4 update is set to enhance how you manage notifications with the introduction of "Priority Notifications," powered by its Apple Intelligence technology. This feature is designed to prioritize important alerts and reduce distractions from less critical ones. Once enabled, these notifications will appear in a separate section on your Lock Screen, making it easier to focus on what truly matters.

Unlike the current system that sorts notifications by time received, Priority Notifications uses AI to analyze the content and context of incoming alerts. For instance, time-sensitive updates like package delivery notifications or urgent messages may take precedence over routine app updates. However, all notifications remain accessible by swiping up on the Lock Screen.

The feature isn't activated by default. You can enable it by navigating to Settings > Notifications > Prioritize Notifications and toggling it on. It's worth noting that this functionality is limited to newer iPhone models with at least 8GB of RAM, such as the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 series.

In addition to Priority Notifications, iOS 18.4 introduces other updates. Apple Intelligence now supports several new languages, including French, German, Italian, Japanese, and localized English for regions like India and Singapore. The Image Playground app gains a new "Sketch" style for creative editing, and Apple News+ subscribers will enjoy a dedicated Food section featuring recipes and cooking tips.

These features are currently available in the beta version of iOS 18.4 for developers and public testers. The full release is expected soon, offering a more streamlined notification experience alongside other usability improvements.

Source