Apple Launches Priority Notifications with Expanded AI Features in the EU

Apple Intelligence, the lineup of AI-driven tools and functionalities from the iPhone manufacturer, is set to receive several notable updates. On Monday, the company announced a significant new feature—Priority Notifications—designed to help Apple device users manage their time-sensitive notifications more effectively. With this new capability, users will find that essential updates are highlighted by the AI, allowing them to see important alerts at the top of their notification lists.

This rollout coincides with the launch of software updates: iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4. Additionally, Apple Intelligence is now accessible to iPhone and iPad users across the European Union, as well as on the Apple Vision Pro headset for users in U.S. English.

Apple has also expanded the range of languages supported by its AI features. Aside from English, the supported languages now include French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and simplified Chinese. Notably, localized English offerings are also available for users in Singapore and India.

Initially revealed at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) last year, Apple Intelligence's introduction was gradual, with the suite's features being released incrementally. Following the initial launch in iOS 18.1, subsequent updates in iOS 18.2 and its equivalents for iPadOS and macOS added functions such as ChatGPT integration, as well as enhancements to the Image Playground app.

Priority Notifications Explained

The most discussed feature, Priority Notifications, aims to declutter the user experience by ensuring that critical alerts are visible immediately. This means that rather than sifting through a mix of essential and promotional notifications, users will have a streamlined view that prioritizes urgent updates.

In addition to Priority Notifications, other enhancements coming with this update include the ability to generate “memory movies” on Mac by simply entering a description, as well as a new Sketch style option in the Image Playground app that enables users to create detailed academic sketches.

Expansion to the EU and New Features

Interestingly, this expansion of Apple Intelligence into the EU was initially planned for April 2025. Apple attributed this delay to regulatory hurdles, including the Digital Markets Act imposed by the EU.

For users of the Vision Pro headset, this update means they will also gain access to AI features such as Writing Tools, Image Playground, and Genmoji, making it a more versatile mixed reality platform.

The update further includes a series of new emojis, enhancing expression within conversations. New emojis comprise a paint splatter, a face showing bags under the eyes, a fingerprint, root vegetables, a shovel, and others. In addition, Apple has introduced a new recipe companion called Apple News+ Food, arriving alongside updates to the Apple Photos app and various other services.

Apple, AI, Notifications, EU, Updates