Introducing iOS 18.3: Key Features to Explore

Apple has begun rolling out iOS 18.3 for compatible iPhone models following a brief testing phase. Although this update is relatively small in scale, it brings significant enhancements to the iPhone's AI capabilities. Below, we explore the most notable features of this update and how you can make adjustments.

To install iOS 18.3 on your iPhone, simply go to the Settings menu, select General, and then tap on Software Update. Keep in mind that your device must support iOS 18, such as the iPhone 13 Pro. Furthermore, the new AI features are available exclusively for the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 16 series, meaning older devices will not have access to them.

1. Default Activation of Apple Intelligence

The most significant change in iOS 18.3 is that Apple Intelligence is now enabled by default. This means users can instantly access AI-powered features, including the improved Siri and the new Image Playground. Previously, users had to activate these features manually in the settings.

Apple Intelligence can tremendously enhance how users interact with their devices. It can summarize audio recordings, enhance photos, and even generate Smart Replies for emails. However, there are a couple of downsides. First, it requires approximately 7GB of storage space, and second, it may quickly drain your battery.

Fortunately, disabling Apple Intelligence is straightforward. Go to the iPhone settings, click on the Apple Intelligence & Siri section, and toggle the setting off if you prefer not to use it.

2. Enhanced Notification Management for News Apps

Another important update with iOS 18.3 is the management of news notifications. Apple Intelligence can summarize notifications to highlight essential information, but the feature has faced criticism for its inaccuracies. For example, the BBC reported an instance where a false headline was generated about a significant event.

In response to these concerns, Apple has temporarily disabled notification summaries for news and entertainment applications. The firm appears to be re-evaluating this feature to make necessary adjustments. When the summaries are active again, they will be distinctively formatted in italicized text.

There is no official timeframe for when this feature will return, but users who have opted into Apple Intelligence will be notified when the updates resume. You can find Apple Intelligence in the settings under the Apple Intelligence & Siri section.

3. Improvements to Camera Controls

Building upon updates from iOS 18.2, the latest version enhances Camera Control significantly. With Visual Intelligence, the camera now has the capability to recognize plants and animals. Additionally, it can extract events from posters or flyers and add them directly to your Calendar app.

Unlike other features, these new tools cannot be disabled; they are now an integral part of the camera functionality.

This covers the highlights of iOS 18.3. The update also includes minor changes to several built-in apps, security enhancements, and fixes for bugs such as a glitch where Apple Music would continue to play even after being closed. If you're looking for a more extensive set of features, you may have to wait for iOS 18.4, expected to launch in April.

iOS, Apple, update