After much anticipation, Apple has finally unveiled the much-lauded iOS 18.4 update. Packed with a plethora of transformative features, this iteration is designed to make life easier for users, particularly with the introduction of the Ambient Music mode that’s quickly becoming indispensable.
Transform Your Focus with Ambient Music
Listening to ambient music while working is not just enjoyable; it’s a productivity enhancer. From lo-fi vibes to calming soundscapes, immersing myself in these tunes has revolutionized my workflow. Previously, I turned to platforms like YouTube or Spotify, but the struggle of searching for the right playlists often interrupted my momentum.
With iOS 18.4, the solution is at my fingertips—literally. The Ambient Music controls are now conveniently located in the Control Center. Here’s how to access them:
- Swipe diagonally from the upper right corner of your screen to reveal the Control Center.
- Long-press anywhere on the display and select Add a control when it appears at the bottom.
- Locate Ambient Music and select your preferred genres: Sleep, Chill, Productivity, or Work.
Feel free to customize which controls you add. Prefer just the Sleep function? Simply select that. Each genre offers a unique selection of playlists:
- Productivity – Includes Classical Concentration, Binaural Frequencies, Pure Focus (my personal favorite), and BEATstrumentals.
- Chill – Offers Ambient Chill, Pure Chill, Piano Chill, and Lo-Fi Jazz (a cozy soundtrack for relaxation).
- Sleep – Features Bedtime Beats, Piano Sleep, Sound Bath, and Sleep Sounds.
- Wellbeing – Comprises Pure Calm, Spa, Beats & Breath, and Pure Meditation.
These playlists have enabled me to declutter my app collection, as the Ambient Music feature in iOS 18.4 fulfills my meditation and sleep sound needs seamlessly. Just tap the Ambient Music icon in your Control Center to select a playlist or create your own, and enjoy the great integration with the Dynamic Island feature.
While it would be more convenient to have all genres in a single control to minimize menu space, this feature is a delightful surprise that I didn’t realize I needed.
Stay Focused with Priority Notifications
Apple takes productivity one step further with enhanced Priority Notifications. With iOS 18.4, you can now manually prioritize notifications from key apps, mitigating the potential chaos brought on by constant alerts. Here’s how to ensure you’re only notified about what matters:
- Navigate to Settings -> Notifications -> Prioritize Notifications.
- Activate this feature if it isn’t already turned on.
- Select the apps that deserve priority notifications.
Limit your selections to 3-4 apps to avoid clutter. Once activated, you will find designated space for priority notifications on your lock screen, while secondary alerts can be accessed with a simple swipe up.
To maintain functionality, ensure that Apple Intelligence is activated under Settings -> Apple Intelligence & Siri. Also, exciting news for users in the European Union—Apple Intelligence is now available in new regions and supports several additional languages. This expansion makes it easier than ever to streamline notifications globally.
Cook Up a Storm with Apple News+ Recipes
If you love experimenting in the kitchen, the latest iOS 18.4 feature is a game-changer, provided you have an Apple News+ subscription for just $13 a month. Alternatively, bundle this service with Apple One Premier for $38 a month, allowing up to five family members to share a wealth of Apple services.
I’ve discovered a treasure trove of culinary delights in the Food section of Apple News+.My favorite publications like Eating Well and Food Network offer a plethora of cooking tips and unique recipes. With the added benefit of a built-in Recipe Catalog, organizing your next meal has never been easier.
Additionally, the step-by-step Cooking mode offers an intuitive guide through each recipe, making cooking less intimidating and more rewarding. The recipes available are not only tested but also come from trusted sources.
For users tracking diet or honing culinary skills, consider checking food diary apps or cooking skill enhancement apps—these can greatly complement your cooking journey.
Other Exciting Additions in iOS 18.4
While iOS 18.4 introduces a host of features, not all have been as personally impactful. For instance, the new emojis (including one that notoriously looks sleep-deprived) have added a fun touch to my communication.
Don’t forget to explore the revisited photo filters, AI summaries for app reviews, or the fresh Sketch option in Image Playground. After you’ve familiarized yourself with the dynamic new features of iOS 18.4, take the time to customize your iPhone’s icons for a refreshing new look.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Ambient Music feature in iOS 18.4?
The Ambient Music feature allows users to access a selection of curated playlists tailored to specific moods such as Chill, Sleep, or Productivity directly from the Control Center, streamlining the experience of enjoying background music.
2. How do I set up priority notifications on my iPhone?
To set up priority notifications, go to Settings -> Notifications -> Prioritize Notifications. Turn it on and select your preferred apps so you can focus on what’s truly important without being overwhelmed by constant alerts.
3. Do I need an Apple News+ subscription to access the Recipe Catalog?
Yes, accessing the Recipe Catalog through Apple News+ requires a subscription. However, the investment is justified if you enjoy exploring new recipes and cooking techniques, especially with its extensive library of trusted publications.
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